Archive for December, 2008

Types of Cancer

Monday, December 15th, 2008

What are the different types of cancer? Believe it or not, we are at risk to all types of cancer except for ovarian cancer for males and prostate cancer for females.

Fortunately, with the advancement in medical research, and the people’s growing initiative to learn more about the disease, the number of affected patients and deaths due to cancer is reducing. That’s good news right? Let me give you an example. Recently I have read and even watch it on TV that cervical cancer is caused by a virus and now there is actually a vaccine to help prevent it.

Prevention and early detection are our best weapons to prevent any type of cancer. Although it’s been said that some types are easier to deal with than others, you never know right. You can also check your family history for cancer, and if it’s present then you are at a high risk.

By becoming aware about the different types of cancer, we are arming ourselves with knowledge and giving ourselves a fighting chance to prevent it. My advice for all: Live a healthy lifestyle and regular physical check up. Don’t wait until you feel something unusual. Be proactive!

FAQs about Prostate Cancer

Friday, December 5th, 2008

What is a prostate?
Prostate is a gland present on the male reproductive system. It surrounds the bladder and the first part of the urethra and contributes to semen secretion.

What are the diseases of the prostate gland?

  1. Prostatitis- inflammation of the prostate gland because of infection
  2. Benign enlargement of the prostate- noncancerous tumor commonly seen in men aged 50 years old and above.

What is prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of death in males. The male sex hormones or the androgen increases which also influences the growth rate of cancer cells in the area.

Where is the tumor located?
The malignant tumor is found in the posterior lobe while benign ones are found in other lobes.

What changes does the prostate gland undergo with cancer?
It becomes hard with irregular surface.

What is the growth rate? Growth rate is very fast in prostate cancer where the tumor compresses the urethra which makes it difficult to urinate.

What is its metastasis?

  1. Local spread- the cancer cells spread to the reproductive system to the urinary.
  2. Lymphatic spread- the cancer cells spread to the peritoneum and chest lymph nodes.
  3. Blood spread- the cancer cells spread through the periprostatic venous plexus and to the vertebral veins.

What are the signs and symptoms of Prostate Cancer?

  1. Presence of tumor
  2. Difficulty in urination
  3. Pain in the lumbo sacral area
  4. Spine fracture
  5. Swelling and pain in the abdomen
  6. Respiratory problems
  7. Weakness all over the body
  8. Anemia

How  is prostate cancer diagnose?

  1. Rectal examination- done to feel the prostate
  2. Complete blood examinations
  3. Urinalysis
  4. Renal function tests
  5. Serum acid phosphate- increased
  6. X-ray and ultra sonography
  7. CT Scan
  8. MRI
  9. Lymphangiography- for the lymphatic spread
  10. Biopsy- for presence of cancer cells

What are the treatments for prostate cancer?

  1. Urine catheterization- done to patients with urinary retention
  2. Dialysis- if with kidney failure
  3. Hormone therapy- to help reduce the tumor growth, Stilbestrol is given.
  4. Chemotherapy
  5. Radiotherapy
  6. Prostatectomy- removal of the prostate
    • Partial- only the affected part is removed.
    • Radical- total removal of the prostate with nearby lymph nodes