Prostate Problem
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is an enlarged prostate which is basically is an increase in the size of the prostate gland. An enlarged prostate is common in older men. However, it does not mean that it will lead to prostate cancer.
The symptoms of Prostate Problem are caused by the pressure that is put on the urethra. The urethra is the narrow tube that carries urine from the bladder and out of the body.
Men with prostate health issues may experience a frequent urge to urinate. They can have a feeling of not being empty even after urinating. Prostate health
Prostate Cancer
Adenocarcinoma of the prostate is the medical term for a cancerous tumour on the prostate gland. As prostate cancer grows, it may spread to other body parts such as sac-like structures attached to the prostate (seminal vesicles), to tissues near the prostate, the interior of the gland, and to distant parts of the body (bones, liver, lungs, etc).
SYMPTOMS OF BPH
Following are the symptoms of BPH or Enlarge Prostate. If any male is facing these problems, they should immediately seek medical guidance:
- Blood in urine or semen
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Inability to urinate
- Nagging pain or stiffness in the back, hips, upper thighs, or pelvis
- Painful ejaculation
- Pain or burning during urination (dysuria)
- Weak or interrupted urine flow
Treatment of Prostate Cancer
Treatment of prostate problem depends upon the stage of the prostate disease and patient's age and overall health. Elderly patients with minor symptoms, an early stage of cancer, or coexisting illnesses may be treated in particular ways.
Untreated prostate cancer usually takes years to become malignant. At this point of time, the doctor monitors the patient and according to the patient’s medical condition, treatment for the prostate problem is followed:
- Radical Prostatectomy
- Bilateral Orchidectomy
Preparing for Prostate Cancer Treatment
- Radical prostatectomy - It is the surgical removal of the prostate gland and surrounding tissues including seminal vesicles and pelvic lymph nodes. Surgeons use one of two surgical techniques, retropubic prostatectomy or perineal prostatectomy to conduct the same procedure.
- Bilateral orchiectomy - It is also known as surgical castration. This basically refers to surgery that removes both testicles. This treatment is aimed at cancer and the goal is to stop the production of androgens. The surgery can be done under local anaesthesia.
- Robotic prostatectomy - This treatment allows the surgeon to make more accurate movements with surgical pieces of equipment and tools as compared to traditional open or minimally invasive surgery.
Radiation therapy - This treatment involves placing many rice-sized radioactive seeds in the prostate tissue, delivering a low dose of radiation over a longer period of time. Radiotherapy can almost eliminate long term side effects such as urinary incontinence and sexual dysfunction. It reduces radiation to the bladder by 60% and also minimises the risk of secondary cancers by 50%.