What Causes Prostate Cancer?

The exact cause of prostate cancer is unknown. What is known about the disease is that it begins with a group of cancerous cells with a group of cancerous cells within the prostate gland. Initially, the tumor may not cause any symptoms. As the cancer progresses, the tumor can enlarge and eventually put pressure on surrounding parts of the body such as the urethra.  This process causes a blockage in the flow of urine out of the bladder.  Because the same symptom can be caused by a non-cancerous condition of the prostate, it does not always mean that prostate cancer is present.

Diagnosis

The most common method of detecting prostate cancer is through a digital rectal examination which takes very little time and involves minimal discomfort to the patient. The PSA is the newest monitoring tool developed for use in prostate cancer. This test measures the prostatic specific antigen, a substance produced only by the prostate. In even the earliest stages of prostate disease, the patient's level of PSA begins to increase and is detectable with this test.

Treatment

Surgical Removal of the Prostate

A procedure called prostatectomy can be performed to prevent early-stage prostate cancer from spreading further. A pelvic node dissection (removal of possible cancer carrying lymph nodes near the prostate) is often performed at the same time.

Radiation Therapy

This process uses high-energy x-rays to kill prostate cancer cells. As an alternative, small nonhazardous radioactive pellets can be surgically implanted into the patient's prostate.

Hormonal Therapy

The goal of the hormonal therapy is to decrease the testicle's production of testosterone, which fuels prostate cancer.

Surgical Removal of the Testicles

Traditional treatment for advanced prostate cancer has involved the surgical removal of the testicles. This procedure, called orchiectomy, removes the testicles that produces most of the body's testosterone.

Estrogen Therapy

Another method is to administer a female hormone such as estrogen or DES. Female hormones reduce the production of testosterone by the testicles.

LHRH Therapy

A newer method of treatment consists of giving a drug called a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone or LHRH analogue. An LHRH analogue is a drug that works just as well as removal of the testicles but without surgery.