The prostate is a gland found only in males. Its role is to make some of the fluid that protects and nourishes sperm cells in semen, making the semen more liquid. Just behind the prostate are glands called seminal vesicles that make most of the fluid for semen. The urethra, which is the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body through the penis, goes through the center of the prostate. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a substance made by the prostate gland. Although PSA is mostly found in semen, a small amount is also found in the blood.
Almost all prostate cancers develop from the gland cells. Prostate cancer can often be found early by testing the amount of PSA in a man’s blood. Another way prostate cancer is found early is when the doctor does a digital rectal exam. If prostate cancer is found as a result of either one of these tests, it has probably been found at an early, more treatable stage.
Treatment of prostate cancer takes many factors into consideration. They include the age of the man and his life expectancy, how advanced the cancer is, whether or not there are other health issues, and the side effects that may accompany treatment. Whether or not to pursue treatment for prostate cancer is a personal decision that a man should discuss with his physician. In some cases, watchful waiting may be the best course to take.
Treatments for prostate cancer include:
