Frequent Questions
Inform yourself
What is prostate cancer?
According to the National Cancer Institute of the United States, prostate cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the prostate.
The prostate is a gland of the male reproductive system that lies just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. Its size is approximately equal to that of a walnut and surrounds a portion of the urethra. The prostate gland is important because it produces a fluid that contributes to the formation of semen
How many types of prostate cancer are there?
The vast majority of prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas. These develop from common prostate cells. In addition, these types of prostate cancer can develop which are very rare:
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Sarcomas
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Small cell carcinomas
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Neuroendocrine tumors (apart from small cell carcinomas)
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Transitional cell carcinomas
Most prostate cancers grow slowly, however, some can grow and develop very quickly.
What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?
With early-stage prostate cancer, there are often no symptoms.
The symptoms that can occur with prostate cancer, as it grows are:
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Delay or slowness to start urination.
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Drip or leakage of urine, most often after urination.
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Slow urine flow
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Effort when urinating or not being able to empty all the urine from the bladder.
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Blood in the urine or semen.
These symptoms can also be caused by other problems of the prostate, such as an enlarged prostate.
When the cancer has spread, there may be pain or tenderness in the bones, most often in the lower back and hip bones.
In addition to digital rectal examination, is there another method to detect prostate cancer?
If there is no history of prostate cancer in your family it is possible to resort to the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test for a suspected prostate cancer, this is done by a blood sample so it is less invasive.
In addition, transrectal ultrasound can be used, which consists of the use of a small probe about the width of a finger, which is lubricated for its subsequent introduction into the patient's rectum. This probe releases sound waves that enter the prostate and create echoes. The probe detects the echoes and a computer then converts them into a black and white image of the prostate.
Often, the procedure only lasts about 10 minutes and can be done in the doctor's office or in an outpatient clinic. You will feel some pressure during the introduction of the tube, but usually this procedure does not cause pain. The area can be numbed before performing the procedure. It is often used to examine the prostate when a man has a high PSA level. It is also used during a prostate biopsy to guide the needles to the correct area of the prostate.
What treatments are there to cure prostate cancer?
If the cancer has not spread outside the prostate gland, common treatments include:
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Surgery to remove the prostate and some surrounding tissue (radical prostatectomy).
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Radiation therapy, for example, brachytherapy and proton therapy.
If you are older, the provider may recommend that you simply monitor the cancer with PSA tests and biopsies.
Hormone therapy is used primarily for cancer that has spread beyond the prostate. This option helps relieve symptoms and prevents the growth and spread of cancer in the future. However, it does not cure cancer.
If prostate cancer spreads even after having been tested with hormone therapy, surgery or radiation, treatment may include:
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Chemotherapy
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Immunotherapy (medicine to cause the immune system to attack and destroy cancer cells)
Can treatment methods have side effects?
Unfortunately, if: Surgery, radiotherapy and hormone therapy can affect sexual performance and problems with urinary control are possible after surgery and radiation therapy.
Is it possible to recover from prostate cancer?
The prognosis depends on whether the cancer has spread outside the prostate gland and the degree of abnormality of the cancer cells (Gleason score) when the diagnosis is made.
The cure is possible if the cancer has not spread, so it is important to take preventive exams to treat this disease in its early stages when possible if it is healing.
Hormone treatment can improve survival, even if healing is not possible.
From what age is it possible to get prostate cancer?
It is uncommon for prostate cancer to affect men under 40, so starting at this age it is important to start regular examinations.
The probability of developing prostate cancer increases rapidly after 50 years and about 6 out of 10 cases of prostate cancer are detected in men older than 65 years.
How can I prevent prostate cancer?
There is no sure way to prevent prostate cancer, but you can take certain measures that could reduce your risk, for example; People who do not eat meat have a lower chance of getting prostate cancer. To learn more visit this site: https://www.cancer.org/en/cancer/cancer-de-prostata/causas-riesgos-prevencion/prevencion.html#referencias
Who is at higher risk of prostate cancer?
Men who are most at risk include:
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Black men, who are also more prone to suffer from this cancer at any age
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Men over 60 years old
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Men who have a father or brother who has had prostate cancer
Other people at risk include:
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Men who have been exposed to Agent Orange
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Men who consume too much alcohol
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Farmers.
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Men who consume a diet rich in fat, especially of animal origin
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Obese men
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Tire plant workers
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Painters
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Men who have been exposed to cadmium
What to do if I suspect that I have prostate cancer?
Go immediately to your family clinic to request the necessary exams and an appointment with the specialist (urologist) to corroborate the presence or absence of prostate cancer and orient it better on the subject.
Does prostate cancer surgery have repercussions on sexuality?
Usually, when prostate cancer is detected, there is advanced age; age at which the libido is decreased and sexual activity is not as active. So we can say that it affects in part to sexuality but it depends on the age at which the condition affects you.
What is the medical specialty indicated to treat this condition?
The medical specialty is Urology, since it is dedicated to the study, diagnosis and treatment of pathologies affecting the urinary system, adrenal glands and retroperitoneums of men, and the male reproductive system.
Where can we find a urologist for a consultation?
A place where you can find a specialist in urology is at the University Clinic of the Dr Manuel Velasco Suárez Human Medicine School Campus II. Located in the central street and 11th south, the consultation has a cost of 70 pesos with the specialist so it is quite accessible.
For more information, consult here.
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