Prostate cancer is like the name implies, cancer of the prostate gland. Outside of skin cancer, it is the most common cancer in American men. This gland is about the size of a walnut that surrounds the urethra at the base of the bladder. Although it is involved in sexual activity, it is not vital for the reproductive process and some believe this may be a reason for the high incidence of prostate cancer as the vital organs in the same area are practically immune to the formation of tumors.
It is estimated that one in six men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime with the highest rate of incidence being among African-American men and those that have a family history of the disease. Although the causes of this cancer are not completely understood, the high incidence group makes some believe there may be a genetic component while others believe high fat diets are a big contributor.
Some symptoms of prostate cancer are urinary problems such as frequent urination or sensation of incomplete emptying, constipation and loin or bone pain. If a person is experiencing any of these symptoms, they should get a diagnosis of the situation. The first step would probably be a Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) in which a doctor physically examines the prostate. This exam checks for hard lumps at the area where most prostate cancer cells first form in the rectum. Another test is the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Blood Test which is a test performed on a blood sample. The PSA is produced by both normal and malignant prostate cells. This can detect elevated levels of the PSA. A big jump in the PSA level is an indicator of prostate cancer activity and action on this matter should be investigated. The PSA is not a reliable indicator for men with an inflamed prostate.
If the DRE or PSA indicate cancer might be present, a biopsy is the next step. This procedure takes small tissue samples using a biopsy gun, that contains a needle ½" long and 1/16"in diameter, to collect the sample. This procedure is repeated from 8 to 18 times in different parts of the prostate. The samples are then sent to the laboratory where they are examined under the microscope to help determine the extent of the cancer. If the biopsy is positive, other test will be given to determine the extent of the cancer.
1) Computed Tomography (CT)
This procedure involves radiography in which a three-dimensional image of the body
structure is constructed by a computer from a series of cross-sectional images
Computed tomography was originally called computed axial tomography and CAT
scan for short. The word tompography comes from the greek word tomos which means
slice
and graphia,
describing
.
This apparatus uses x-rays to generate what is called x-ray slice data as it rotates
around the patient. The data is then combined together by a procedure called
tomographic reconstruction. The newer machines allow for more detailed information
about the patient that is being imaged.
CT scans are frequently used to determine the stage of cancer and to follow its
progression. Pictures and more information on this device can be found at:
http://dpi.radiology.uiowa.edu/. ../paper6jt.html
2) Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
A procedure in which a magnet linked to a computer is used to create detailed pictures
of areas inside the body.
A strong steady magnetic field is produced around the patient allowing for the
gathering of images for study. The nature of hydrogen in the water molecule is what
makes this procedure viable. A big plus for this procedure is that you can tailor the
process for your diagnostic need.
More information MRI can be found at:
http://info.med.yale.edu/.../ techniques/mri_diagram/
3) X-Rays
High-energy radiation used in high doses to treat cancer (radiotherapy) or in low doses
to diagnose disease.
Basically, x-rays work by the body's absorption of x-ray photons. Compared to
bone, soft tissues do not absorb the x-ray photons very well and contrast media
(liquids that absorb x-rays) must be introduced to the body for readable images.
Prolonged exposure to x-rays can be harmful to the body. More information on
x-rays can be found at:
http://health.howstuffworks.com/x-ray4.htm
4) Isotope Bone Scan
An isotope is injected into a vein your arm and will be taken up by bones in your
body. A special camera called a "Gamma Camera" then takes pictures of the area.
This may take up to 3 hours.
For cancer patients, this scan is used to determine if the cancer has spread into the bones of the body. For more information, go to:
http://www.intelihealth.com/IH/ihtIH/WSIHW000/9339/23953.html
5) ProstaScint Scan - A scan used to check for lymph node invasion with men with
prostate cancer. The patient is given an iv injection of ProstaScint and 111 indium
chloride. Tomographic images are taken on the day of and four days after the injection.
For more information, go to:
http://www.prostate-cancer.org/education/staging/pscint.html
