4 PROSTATE CANCER QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS YOU SHOULD KNOW

Prostate Cancer

There are specific prostate cancer questions and answers you need to know, if you are 50 or over 50 years of age. You could find yourself in trouble and facing the possibility of a premature death without this knowledge.

Very Important

This article serves as information purposes only not for medical advice. Always consult your personal physician when any physical illness arises.


Question 1

What is prostate and where is it located?

Answer

The prostate is a male sex gland about the size of a walnut. Its purpose is to create fluids that mix with the seamen to protect the sperm. You will find the prostate gland located around the bottom of your bladder and it surrounds the urethra tube, through which you pass urine and sperm from your body.

Question 2
What types of symptoms normally show up in a prostate malignancy?

Answer

It is unfortunate that symptoms may not show up form many years. The reason for this is because this type of cancer is so slow growing. However, when the symptoms do show up, they may be caused by another medical problem not just prostate cancer. Outlined below are some of the lists of symptoms:

a. Passing blood in the urine or semen
b. Pain in the hips, lower back, pelvic region or even the upper thighs.
c. Difficulty in urinating, in getting and maintaining an erection.
d. To name a few

You are advised to consult your doctor immediately if you are manifesting any of these symptoms.

Question 3

What are the odds of a man over fifty being diagnosed with a malignancy of the prostate?

ANSWER

If you are fifty or older in the United States you stand a 1 in 6 chance of being diagnosed with a malignant tumor or tumors of the prostate. However if you are of African American and Hispanic heritage you stand an increased chance of prostate cancer of 1 in 4.


Question 4

Is it possible to detect a prostate malignancy early?

ANSWER
Yes it is possible to detect a prostate malignancy early. Presently there are tow primary tests, one of which is a Digital Rectal Exam (DRE). This test is carried out by having the man bending over or laying on his side and the doctor inserts a finger up through the rectum to the prostate. By doing this he will be able to know if the prostate has hardened and increased in size.

Ordinarily if your doctor detects a hardening or increase in size of the prostate he will order the second test. This test is often referred to a PSA blood test. The aim of the PSA is to detect if you have an increased level of prostate-specific antigen in your blood. With a count of six or higher your doctor may order more test to determine if cancer is present in your body as the normal count is about four.

More than 90% of prostate cancer is detected early, thanks to the widespread use of these two tests in men over 50 and earlier for the African American man.


These four prostate cancer and answers is just a few out of many that you should know. Again it is strongly recommended that you contact your attending physician and other medical professionals for specific answers to your questions.