Cancer that arises in the prostate gland is referred to as prostate cancer. The prostate gland is one of the organs of the body that is found at the neck of the canal that passes the urine i.e. just below the bladder. A part of urethra is surrounded by the prostate gland.
Prostate gland helps in controlling the flow of urine by pressing the area with which it surrounds. Another function of the prostate gland is to produce some of the semen agents like sugars and minerals that transport sperm. The prostate gland will be in a size of a wall nut in young people and it grows larger as the age progresses.
The primary source for this tumor is the prostate cells. The tumor slowly develops and hides for a very long time before it can produce any symptoms. These small tumors can also escape the physical examinations.
What are the causes of this type of cancer?
The exact cause for the formation of the this type cancer is not known. The main causes for the prostate cancer are the environmental factors, aging, genetics and hormonal influences. It has been commonly observed that the younger people do not develop the cancer until it is an extraordinary case.
On the other hand, the people who are aged above 40 are known to have under a greater risk of developing prostate problems than the younger people. Environmental factors such as the exposure of the body to some harmful radiation for a prolonged time can result in the formation of the cancer cells.
Genetics influences the development of prostate to a greater extent. If a father had suffered from prostate cancer, then the son runs a high risk factor of developing the breast cancer. Certain hormones are also known to influence the cancer.
It is known that testosterone which is the male reproductive hormone is directly linked with the growth of the prostate gland cells. Hence, these cell growths under certain circumstances can produce tumors.
What are the symptoms of cancer in the prostate?
Like the other cancers, the prostate cancer also does not show any symptoms at the early stages. It may remain in the body for several years before a simple symptom can show up. The prostate cancer is usually diagnosed by the abnormal blood test results. Some of the symptoms of later stages of the cancer are pain in the abdominal region and jaundice.
Screening tests for prostate cancer
The screening tests are the tests that are done in order to detect a cancer at an early stage. The screening tests for prostate cancer are digital rectal examination and prostate specific examination which is a blood test. These are the tests that can be helpful in diagnosing the tumor at an early stage.
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