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Renal Sciences | by Dr. Amlan Chakraborty | Published on 14/12/2021
The prostate is a reproductive gland found in males that is responsible for the secretion of seminal fluids. Prostate-related problems are quite common in men above 55 years of age, though these can affect males of any age group. In this blog, we will bust three common myths associated with prostate cancer with the help of the best prostate surgeon in Kolkata.
Prostate cancer, a prevalent health concern that affects men across the world, is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers among men, with millions of new cases identified globally each year. There's usually a lack of awareness about its symptoms, risk factors, and treatment options despite its frequency. In this blog, we will delve into the complexities of prostate cancer, aiming to offer comprehensive information to those affected by this disease. However, please note that this blog is for informative purposes only and doesn’t substitute for a doctor’s consultation.
Prostate cancer grows in the prostate gland which appears like a small walnut-shaped gland in men producing seminal fluid. It usually develops gradually and remains restricted to the prostate gland, but it might transmit to other parts of the body like the bones and lymph nodes, in advanced stages.
Symptoms of prostate cancer don’t appear in the initial stages. As the cancer develops, symptoms begin to appear such as:
The main cause of prostate cancer is not known yet, but various risk factors have been determined including age, prostate cancer family history, genetic mutations, high red meat consumption, and not consuming fruits or vegetables. In addition, hormonal changes and inflammation of the prostate gland are also contributing factors to the development of prostate cancer.
Initial diagnosis through regular screenings, like rectal exams and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests assist in diagnosing and seeking treatment on time for prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer treatment options often involve surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, depending on the stage and aggressiveness of the cancer.
Here are some myths listed by the top prostate specialist in Kolkata.
Myth - You should not be concerned about prostate cancer as it grows at a very slow pace.
Fact - This might be true in some cases but not always. There are about 29 different types of prostate cancer, some of which are quite aggressive and others are slow-growing. Some can even prove to be life-threatening. Whether your prostate cancer is dangerous or not is determined by your doctor after carrying out a thorough evaluation and assessment. If your biopsy has confirmed that you have prostate cancer, you should go for further evaluation to determine what kind of cancer you have.
What follows, in terms of treatment, will entirely depend upon this. Apart from the type of cancer your age and overall health are also taken into consideration. Some patients might have an underlying condition that may aggravate their cancer, despite not being that aggressive. So it is always better to not reach any conclusion without professional medical health. Even if the cancer is aggressive, there are a variety of advanced treatment options available nowadays that can help in its effective management.
Myth - You cannot have prostate cancer if you do not have a family history of the same.
Fact - If you think that not having a family history of prostate cancer makes you immune to it, you are wrong. No doubt family history is a major risk factor but it is not the only one. A man is twice as likely to develop prostate cancer if his father or brother has the same. People having a genetic history of prostate cancer are at greater risk of having it. However, as per the best urologist in Kolkata, multiple other factors can increase your susceptibility to prostate cancer. Hence, it is important to go for regular screenings, even if you do not have a family history of prostate cancer.
Myth - PSA test is only recommended for the diagnosis of prostate cancer.
Fact - PSA is a special test that helps in assessing the levels of prostate-specific antigen. PSA production can be triggered in response to different diseases or ailments that can affect the prostate, including prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, or even cancer. A PSA test will not help to determine the underlying problem but it will surely help to detect that something is wrong with your prostate gland. To know the exact reason for the rise of prostate-specific antigen levels, one might be required to consult a specialist for further diagnosis.
Myth - Benign prostatic hyperplasia can only affect older men.
Fact - There is a common misconception that benign prostatic hyperplasia can only affect old men and young men should not be worried about it. It is important to understand that being young does not negate your risks of developing benign prostatic hyperplasia. The vulnerability of having prostate hyperplasia has nothing to do with the age of a person.
Myth - There is a link between benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer.
Fact - This, again, is false. Benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer are two different conditions that may trigger somewhat similar symptoms. This could be one of the reasons why people often confuse the two to be interrelated.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, as the name suggests, is a benign condition which means that it is non-cancerous. Prostate cancer, on the other hand, is malignant. You can have either of the two problems or both of them simultaneously, but this does not mean that these are related. Both require different treatments, the only thing that is common between them is that they both affect the prostate gland.
In conclusion, busting myths and presenting facts about prostate cancer is important for conscious decision-making and proactive healthcare. By debunking myths surrounding this disease, we aim to share the understanding of prostate cancer so that they can recognize its symptoms, and seek appropriate medical guidance on time. It is vital to obtain proper information, support early detection through screenings, and advocate for comprehensive care. People grappling with prostate cancer must work with their doctor as it ensures proper diagnosis with effective outcomes.
Prostate cancer can be dangerous if not treated on time or if it transmits to other body parts, but initial diagnosis and proper treatment can substantially enhance outcomes.
Prostate issues that involve prostate cancer can contribute to erectile dysfunction because of its effect on the nerves and blood vessels linked to achieving and maintaining an erection.
Prostatomegaly, or enlargement of the prostate gland, isn't dangerous but can cause complications such as urinary problems if left untreated. Seek medical assistance for proper management.
The prostate doesn't cause weight loss directly. However, advanced prostate cancer or serious prostate issues may cause weight loss as a symptom of the disease's development or due to linked treatments.
