Prostate cancer, the silent killer | ThePrisma.co.uk

So far, no one has yet discovered the cause. Although there ?are no confirmed connections, ?the disease is linked both to a person?s heredity and their habits, among other factors.

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Jos? A. de la Osa

The prostate and the seminal vesicles are the most important sex organs in males. The prostate?s principle function is the secretion of seminal liquid, which plays an important role in fertility.

It is found in front of the bladder. Starting with these facts, we begin our conversation with Dr. Jorge Gonz?lez Hern?ndez, chief of the Special Prostate Cancer Workforce at the Ministry of Public Health of Cuba, specialist in urology and the chief of the Uroncology at the National Institute of Oncology and Radiobiology, in Havana.

We can also add to these points the fact that prostate cancer is the second largest type of the disease to cause death in Cuba, beaten only by lung cancer.

Is there any type of report or study that indicates that the Human Papiloma Virus (HPV), the primary cause of cervical cancer, is also responsible for prostate cancer?

No link has been found between the HPV virus and prostate cancer. However, recent studies have found that it does relate to cancer of the penis.

Is there one or many types of cancer related to the prostate?

Although according to the histopathological point of view (of the diseased tissues and organs), there are different types of cancer, the adenocarcinoma of prostate cancer originates in the cells that form the inner lining of the secretion glands or from another bodily organ makes up for more than 90% of cases.

At what age is it likely to develop?

Prostate cancer is an illness most likely to occur in ?those past middle age, although there have been cases in men younger than 50.

Is it possible to get an early diagnosis?

Yes. And one of the primary objectives of the Special Prostate Cancer Group is to establish an early diagnosis with the intention of reducing the number of deaths. For men, if any type of urinary symptom appears, they should see the family doctor.? Studies continue to indicate that in the first instance, doctors should examine the men using the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA), which is a test that helps to diagnose prostate cancer.

Which symptoms and signs do we need to consider as warnings?

The occurrence of lower urinary obstructive syndrome: frequent urination, which makes you get up several times during the night, straining, burning and passing blood when urinating are all symptoms.

However, because there are no specific symptoms for the illness, we must emphasise that men younger than 45 years-old and with a previous history of prostate cancer in the direct family line (father, brothers), need to make sure they are examined by a doctor.

The symptoms you?ve mentioned ? could they be an indication that the cancer is at an advanced stage?

In general, no. Prostate cancer develops slowly, so there are specific preventative examinations that offer the possibility of an early diagnosis.

How can you confirm a positive diagnosis?

We use a guided ultrasound trans-rectal biopsy (taking samples of the prostate with a fine needle, guided by the ultrasound).

And what about the treatments?

There are various therapeutic procedures that we use: surgery, radiation, hormone treatment and chemotherapy.

Is there any circumstance where you?re unable to offer any effective treatment?

Yes. There is a treatment option where all you can do is to monitor and watch and wait for those patients with tumours in very advanced stages.

Does the removal of the prostate have any effect on a man?s sexual performance?

Any treatment that you use to fight prostate cancer can have a negative effect on sexual function. Recently, there have been different treatment options which minimise the secondary effects.

Is it possible to talk about recovery with this topic?

Yes, when there is an early diagnosis, there is a high chance of a recovery.

(Translated by Daniela Fetta)

Source: http://www.theprisma.co.uk/2012/07/08/prostate-cancer-the-silent-killer/

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