Cancer can be categorized into different types based upon the organ it affects. One type of cancer on the list is prostate cancer. The prostate is a gland present in the male reproductive system, located in the lower abdomen, below the bladder. It surrounds the urethra and is as small as a walnut. The role of the prostate gland is to produce a fluid that acts as a constituent of the semen.
According to studies, prostate cancer is amongst the top 10 cancers that affect Indians. It usually affects older men aged 65 years and above. Though the treatment from the best oncology doctor in Delhi may help, it is essential to increase awareness about the disease and how it can be prevented as most cases are left undetected.
What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is a fatal disease where abnormal growth of cancerous cells occurs in the prostate tissues. Changes in the DNA of the prostate cell is one of the leading causes of prostate cancer, along with inherited and acquired gene mutations in men. As prostate cancer can spread across the body, it is important to begin treatment with the leading oncologists if you’re in Delhi, such as Dr. P.K. Das.
Symptoms of prostate cancer
The symptoms of prostate cancer include:
● Urinary problems include blood in urine, frequent urination, weak urine stream, etc.
● Pain and numbness in the area
● Pain in the back and pelvis region
● Fatigue
● Dizziness
● Breathlessness
● Sudden weight loss
Certain types of prostate cancers are non-aggressive and do not exhibit any symptoms or signs. To assign a treatment plan to the patient, the doctor initially understands the symptoms, diagnoses the cell type or cancer type, and considers the general health of the patient.
Types of prostate cancer
The types of prostate cancer vary based on the nature of the cell, the level of fatality, and the spread of cancer. Here is the list of both common and rare types of prostate cancer:
● Adenocarcinoma
Adenocarcinoma is one of the most common types found in the gland cells that line the prostate gland. This type of cancer can either be acinar or ductal.
Ductal adenocarcinoma is more aggressive than acinar as it spreads rapidly and causes severe damage if not detected at an early stage. The ductal adenocarcinoma occurs or starts in the cells that line the prostate ducts.
● Small Cell Carcinomas
Commonly found in the lungs, small cell carcinoma is the type of prostate cancer that starts in the small round cells of the gland. This cancer accounts for about 1% of total prostate cancers. As this type spreads quickly, it reaches different body parts until diagnosed.
● Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Less than half a percent of males with prostate cancer have squamous cell carcinoma. The cancer cells start growing in the flat cells covering the prostate gland. Just as the small cell carcinoma, this type spreads extremely fast and in an aggressive manner.
● Neuroendocrine Tumours
These tumours can occur at all locations that consist of neuroendocrine cells. In the prostate gland, neuroendocrine tumours rarely occur.
● Transitional or Urothelial Cancer
This type of prostate cancer occurs in the tube that carries the urine out of the body i.e., urethra. Its spread from the prostate gland is ambiguous, but it often starts from the bladder.
● Soft Tissue Sarcoma
The soft tissue sarcoma starts in the connective tissues, including muscles, fat, blood vessels, nerves, etc. This type rarely occurs in the prostate gland, about 0.1% of cases out of the total. Nonetheless, the best oncology doctors in Delhi can help treat such rare cancer types as well.
Treatment of prostate cancer
With advancements in science and medicine, multiple treatment options and routes are available for prostate cancer patients. To decide what kind of treatment the patient will require, the doctor first diagnoses the stage of the cancer. If prostate cancer is detected in an early stage, the doctor will recommend the following:
● Monitoring of the PSA blood levels as cancer often grows slowly.
● Surgery if the tumour is localised. The doctor also removes the surrounding tissues, seminal vesicles, and lymph nodes.
● Radiation therapy to prevent its growth and kill cancer cells.
For advanced stages of prostate cancer, doctors usually opt for chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. These treatments are extensive and powerful in comparison to normal surgeries, with a few side effects.
How can you prevent prostate cancer?
Although diseases like cancer do not come knocking on your door, there are certain precautions we can take to avoid facing prostate cancer:
● Avoid smoking
● Follow a healthy diet consisting of omega 3, soy, tomato, etc.
● Reduce intake of foods like dairy products, red meat, and saturated fat.
● Exercise diligently
● Regular check-ups to always be aware of your physical health.
The best doctors for prostate cancer treatment
The battle of cancer is not an easy one and so you require the assistance and guidance of an experienced doctor. Dr. P.K. Das is one of the best cancer specialists in Delhi, who has gained knowledge from AIIMS and has a long, successful history of treating cancer patients. He is a prostate cancer specialist in Delhi and provides beneficial treatments and utmost care. To consult with Dr. P.K. Das, you can visit his website today!
Comments