Know More About Prostate Cancer
The prostate is a walnut-shaped small gland present in the male human body that is responsible for producing seminal fluid. It also helps the transportation as well as nourishment of the sperm. Prostate cancer develops gradually and is the most commonly occurring form of cancer. The cells present in the prostate gland turn cancerous which leads to the development of prostate cancer in the body. Some of the tumors may remain stuck to the original position while other may have the potential to spread to other parts of the body.
Causes
- The primary reason for cancer remains to be the transformation of normal cells into cancerous cells. The changes in the cell lead to instructing it to multiply rapidly and forming a mass.
- Being at an elder age also increases the risk of developing prostate cancer. Apart from this, belonging to a certain race also exhibits chances of its development. Among black people, prostate cancer is known to be more aggressive and advanced.
- If a person has a family history relating to the genes causing breast cancer like BRCA1 OR BRC 2, the chances of its development are increased.
- People who suffer from obesity are more at risk of developing prostate cancer. Cancer can usually be more aggressive in the cases of obesity and also has the chance of returning once the initial treatment has been finalized.
Types of prostate cancer
The types of prostate cancer are:
Adenocarcinoma
The majority of the cancers are adenocarcinoma in the prostate. This type of cancer starts in the gland cells of the prostrate and is responsible for the production of seminal fluid. Adenocarcinoma is of two types, that is, Acinar and Ductal. Acinar carcinoma builds in the glands that line the prostrate glands while ductal carcinoma develops in the tubes or ducts of the prostate gland. It generally spreads more aggressively than other types.
Small cell carcinoma
Small cell carcinoma occurs rarely in the body. It forms in the small round cells present in the prostate and spread quite quickly.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
The prostate is covered with some flat cells which when affected by the tumors turn cancerous. It too spreads quickly in the body.
Transitional cell carcinoma
This type develops in the urethra and generally develops in the bladder before spreading.
Neuroendocrine Tumors
These tumors occur in the neuroendocrine cells present anywhere in the body.
Signs and Symptoms
The common signs and symptoms developed are as follows:
- Issues while urinating
- Blood in urine
- Blood in semen
- Reduction in force of the stream of urine
- Erectile dysfunction
- Bone pain
- Unintended weight loss
- Pain in the back(spine), hips, and chest(ribs)
Diagnosis
Blood and urine tests
The doctor will collect urine and blood samples to determine the levels of hormones produced by the adrenal gland. The levels of aldosterone, cortisol, and androgens are determined using these samples.
Imaging techniques
The imaging tests are performed to get detailed images of the affected area and determine its working condition. The procedures like MRI, CT scan, and PET are performed to see if the disease has spread to other organs like the liver or lungs.
Digital Rectal Exam
In this case, the doctor examines the rectum and looks for abnormalities if any. There could be deviations in texture, size, and shape of the gland as well.
Prostate-specific antigen
In this case, the blood sample is taken for PSA which is secreted by the prostate gland. If high levels are detected, it may signify inflammation, prostate infection, or enlargement.
Collection of a sample
Often, a prostate biopsy is done through a needle where a sample of cells or tissues is collected from the prostate gland.
Side effects of such procedures
Targeted drug therapy may lead to
- Nail changes
- Wound healing and blood clotting
- Dry skin and rashes
- Fatigue
- Changes in hair color
- High blood pressure
Chemotherapy and radiotherapy make a person feel tired and sick most of the time. The risk of infections is increased, and bleeding and bruising can occur easily. The patient can also feel constipation and loss of appetite.
Chemotherapy might lead to health issues like feeling sick and tired after the treatments, hair loss, low red blood cell count (anemia), and more vulnerability to infections, sore mouth, and bleeding and bruising.
While getting radiation therapy, the normal healthy cells might also undergo damage, red and sore skin, fatigue, loss of appetite, uncomfortable swallowing, stiffness in muscles and joints, diarrhea, and fertility issues.
Immunotherapy can lead to issues like nausea, itching, loss of appetite, rashes, constipation, cough, diarrhea, and joint pain. Also when the drugs are injected into the body, some patients might have an infusion reaction.
Surgery may lead to erectile dysfunctions, troubles relating to impotency, urinary incontinence, issues during erection, vulnerability to infections, and several others.
Treatments
Surgery
During a laparoscopic prostatectomy, many incisions are made in the abdomen through which surgical instruments are inserted by a robot. The surgeon guides the mechanical device and controls its movements to handle the instruments.
In the cases of retropubic surgeries, a long incision is made in the lower abdomen in order to remove the prostate gland.
Radiation Therapy
In the case of external beam radiation therapy, the patient lies on a platform and a machine moves around the body which directs high-energy beams like protons or X-rays to cancer cells. For tumors confined to the prostate gland, this method can be used. It can also be used after surgery to remove remaining cells.
In the cases of internal radiation, the radioactive structures are placed inside the prostrate which releases radiation slowly for a long period of time. This method is termed brachytherapy.
Freezing or heating of cancer tissues
Cryoablation involves using a cold gas to freeze cancer cells and let them die. Also, high-intensity focused ultrasound targets the tumor cells to heat them up and destroy them.
Hormone Therapy
Several medicines are administered to stop testosterone production in the body. Agonists and antagonists help in this process and testicles stop producing testosterone.
Immunotherapy
Sipuleucel-T (Provenge) treatment is administered where the body’s immune cells are genetically engineered in a laboratory to fight the cancer cells. These are injected back into the body through a vein.
Immunotherapy drugs help the body’s immune system identify and attack cancer cells.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy involves using special chemicals or drugs either singularly or in combination to treat the disease. These chemicals run throughout the body to target cancer cells and destroy them.
Targeted Drug Therapy
The targeted drug therapy involves focusing on the malfunctions present in the cancer cells. Through this therapy, the abnormalities are blocked, which leads to destroying them.
Why Ayurveda?
Ayurveda offers some of the best remedies to help with prostate cancer and provide relief in symptoms to heal the body. Some of the herbs like Haritaki and Terminalia Chebula are known to offer relaxation to the patient. Amalaki is also used to treat digestive disorders. Vibhitaki, Guduchi or Giloy, Curcumin, and Boerhavia Diffusa are quite significant and helpful in letting the body deal with prostate gland disorders. These help in the prevention of the growth and spread of cancer cells.
Ayurveda is a holistic and traditional science that incorporates physical, mental, and emotional health. Ayurveda defines three Doshas in the body namely; Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. that serve as the primary functional energies of all human beings. Ayurvedic practices help prevent the formation of metabolic toxins called Ama that might become a cause of the development of disease in the human body.
Ayurveda has a wide range of natural herbs and spices that can be used as supplements to help the body grow stronger. The products strengthen the immune system of the body and help fight infections along with attacking the cancer cells. The Apana Vata is an essential element in Ayurvedic medicine for treating prostate cancer.
Food and physical exercise habits should be maintained to help cleanse the Dhatus. The nature-based therapies play a great role in soothing the body and curing issues. The professionals ensure that the use of medicinal herbs and therapies is done in a proper manner.