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Author:
Richard Romando

The uncontrolled growth of cells around the outer region of the prostate, which gives rise to the development of a malignant tumor, is called prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is common among American males. Over 250,000 cases are diagnosed in the United States every year.

Early signs of prostate cancer are difficult to detect. Symptoms only set in once the tumor spreads. Change in urination habits with increased frequency or dribbling are the first signs of prostate cancer. The cancer may spread from the prostate to nearby lymph nodes, bones or other organs, leading to a condition called metastasis. As a result, some men experience back pain. Once the cancer spreads beyond the prostate it is difficult to cure.

The growth of prostate cancer is relatively slow and may not be detected for many years. It also takes longer to spread beyond the prostate. However, a small percentage of patients experience more rapidly growing, aggressive forms of prostate cancer. Unfortunately, it is difficult to know for sure which prostate cancers will grow slowly and which will grow aggressively; this further complicates treatment decisions.

The presence of cancer cells around the prostate determines the extent to which the cancer has spread. It affects the areas surrounding the prostate such as the seminal vesicle, lymph nodes, rectum and bones. Even when prostate cancer spreads to other areas, such as the bone, it is still considered to be prostate cancer and not bone cancer.

A variety of causes and contributing factors lead to prostate cancer. The major risk factors are age, race and family history. The chances of prostate cancer increase after the age of 50. The incidence of prostate cancer in Asian men is the lowest. Caucasian and African American men are the largest groups afflicted with the disease.

The prognosis for prostate cancer patients has improved over the years. The survival rates for all stages of prostate cancer have increased from 67% to 97%. Public awareness and early detection are the main reasons for the increase in survival rates.

Prostate provides detailed information on Prostate, Prostate Cancer, Prostate Health, Prostate Cancer Treatment and more. Prostate is affiliated with Prostate Cancer Treatments.

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A Quick Note From The Publisher... If you like the article above, you may be interested in the following article which is also related to The Prostate... The Prostate Gland - What Is It And What Does It Do? The prostate gland forms part of the male reproductive system and is responsible for the production of a clear liquid which makes up about thirty percent of the seminal fluid used to carry and protect the male sperm during intercourse. The prostate gland sits just below the bladder and in front of the rectum, partially surrounding the urethra which carries urine from the bladder out of the body. During childhood the prostate gland is very small (about the size of a pea) but will grow rapidly during puberty in response to the production of the male hormone testosterone. In a mature male the prostate is typically the size of a walnut and weighs about one ounce. The prostate gland is divided into the three sections – peripheral, central and transition. The peripheral section is located at the rear of the prostate gland and is the section of the prostate in which prostatitis and prostate cancer are most likely to develop. The transition section, which lies in the middle of the prostate gland and surrounds the urethra, is the area in which benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is seen. There are a variety of problems associated with the prostate gland, the most common of which is BPH. This condition, which is a growth of non-cancerous cells within the transition section of the prostate gland causes an enlargement of the gland and exerts pressure on the urethra which, in turn, leads to difficulties in urinating. Other common problems include prostatitis, which is an inflammation or infection of the prostate gland, and prostate cancer. Enlargement of the prostate gland will affect about half of all men by the time they reach the age of 60 and increases with age to affect some ninety percent of the male population by the age of 80. Prostate cancer will affect approximately...