Prostate Cancer Essays (486 words) - Urinary System, Prostate Cancer

Prostate Cancer The prostate is a gland that is located just underneath the bladder. It surrounds the urethra through which a man urinates. The prostate gland is therefore vital to proper bladder control and urine flow-rate. The prostate is also essential for normal sexual function. It is the gland of ejaculation, supplying 95% of the seminal fluid and the power to push it through the urethra and out of the penis. The normal prostate in an adult man is about the size of a walnut. Its size often increases over time, however, particularly once a man gets beyond age 40. Because the urethra runs right through the middle of it, a growth spurt of the prostate will squeeze the urethra and begin to choke off the urinary flow. This can effect the ability to urinate and perform sexually. Symptoms of Prostate Cancer Prostate cancer occurs when some of the cells that make up the prostate gland escape from the normal controls on their growth and start to divide, grow and spread in an uncontolled manner. At first the growth of the cancer occurs very slowly and is usually limited within the prostate gland. Later on in the course of the illness, the prostate gland cells can spread around the body, particulary to the bones where they can paues pain and disability. Estimates show that the cancer may have been growing in some men for up to 10 yearsbefore it causes symptoms and is diagnosed. Some men develop symptoms whereas others do not. In those who that do, the following symptoms are commonly found: Bathroom Troubles: Need to urinate frequently, especially at night Sudden, incontrolable urges to urinate Weak or interrupted urine flow A burning sensation or pain when urinating Blood in urine Continuing pain in lower back, pelvis, or upper thighs Bedroom Troubles: Reduced sexual ability Painful orgasm Impotence Discomfort during intercourse There appears to be several forms of prostate cancer. Some men survive for many years with the disease and never develop symptoms. These men may be oblivious to the fact that they have a slow growing from prostate cancer and may eventually die of other causes. However, other prostate cancers can be more aggressive and can grow quickly. Prevention and Treatment More and more doctors are coming to believe that an enlarged prostate can be treated or deterred by feeding the body the nutrients it lacks. Dr. James Balch, specialist in urology, says: "The pain and discomfert of most prostate disorders could be avoided with proper nutritional adjuncts. Even those suffering from enlarged prostates respond very quickly to nutritional therapies." One way to treat prostate cancer is to have surgery. Johnathon Waxman, a cancer specialist from Hammersmith Hospital, in London, said, that 70% of patients become impontent after surgery, and 40% become incontinent which means that they cannot control their urination. Some other people that have prostate cancer recommend the Swedish approach to treatment, which is "watchful waiting." This approach, as the name would suggest, means keeping a close eye on any signs of the disease progressing, but holding off on extreme treatment, such as drugs, surgery, and chemotherapy.