Prostate cancer (PCA) – it is a malignant tumor that arises from the epithelium of alveolar cellular glands. The probability of developing this oncological disease in men increases significantly with age. About 99% of prostate cancer cases are diagnosed in men over 50.
The main factors that increase the risk of developing RP, – age and family history (the presence of close relatives with a diagnosis of "malignant neoplasm of the prostate gland" increases the probability of the disease by two to three times), vasectomy, hormonal imbalance, testosterone treatment, benign prostatic hyperplasia, race (blacks are more prone to prostate cancer glands much more often than representatives of other racial or ethnic groups), lifestyle, nutrition Prostate cancer life expectancy depends on the stage of the disease, the aggressiveness and spread of the tumor, other health problems, and the patient's age. Five-year survival rate for stage I&II stage RPS– 100%, at stage IV in patients with distant metastases – 29% (data for the USA).
In the early stages of RPZ, it usually does not manifest itself clinically. In the late stages, the symptoms of prostate cancer are similar to the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Patients complain of difficult and painful urination, weak and/or intermittent stream of urine, problems with erection, painful ejaculation.
A study conducted in the USA showed that a third of patients with a diagnosis of "prostate cancer" one or more of the above symptoms were observed. In other cases, the disease was asymptomatic.
Metastatic prostate cancer can be accompanied by pain in the bones, and with compression of the spinal cord – numbness, weakness of leg muscles, incontinence of urine and feces. Doctors assess the risk of the tumor spreading beyond the prostate gland and choose treatment methods depending on the stage of the disease. The stage of prostate cancer is determined by a combination of the description of the diagnosis according to the TNM system (it reflects the size of the tumor and the spread of cancer cells to neighboring organs) and the Gleason scale (estimates the level of aggressiveness of the tumor). The level of PSA (prostate specific antigen) in the blood is also taken into account. The stage of RPZ is indicated by Roman numerals from I to IV.
The optimal tactics of prostate cancer treatment at different stages in many cases remains a subject of debate. PCOS develops slowly, so the natural course of the disease is often long, and even without treatment, many patients live longer than 15 years, often dying not from prostate cancer, but from accompanying pathologies. Doctors vary in their assessment of the role of radiation, hormone therapy, surgery, chemotherapy and other treatments. But the majority of oncologists believe that in the early stages of RPC, the survival rate after surgery and radiation therapy is almost the same.
The task of radical prostatectomy – completely rid the patient of the tumor by removing the prostate gland and surrounding tissues. Transurethral resection is aimed at improving the quality of life. Surgical intervention – the best way for a man to fight prostate cancer. The operation will allow to completely remove the tumor or eliminate its consequences, if the neoplasia has not penetrated beyond the prostate gland. Radiation therapy for prostate cancer is used to avoid complications of radical prostatectomy. Irradiation is more effective for tumors up to two centimeters in size. Radiotherapy of bones affected by metastases is used as a palliative aid for severe pain syndrome. If hormone therapy for metastatic cancer and hormone-resistant tumors is used for palliative treatment, chemotherapeutic drugs are used.
Another method of prostate cancer treatment is hormone therapy. Thanks to the inhibition of androgen production by the testicles, a stop in the development and regression of the neoplasm is achieved. Direct indications are: metastases, high risk of relapse, existing contraindications to surgical intervention and radiation therapy. Hormonal therapy is effective in late stages of cancer: prostate cancer (stage 4) goes into remission in 23-29% of cancer patients for up to 10 years.
After the operation, the patient is prescribed antibiotics and painkillers. After a certain period of time, the catheter is removed and the patient begins to urinate independently. If you experience difficulty urinating, severe pain, or a high temperature, you should immediately notify your doctor.
After discharge from the hospital, doctors recommend monitoring bowel movements (in case of constipation, take laxatives), follow a diet, go for walks, avoid lifting weights, and avoid sexual activity until the suture is completely healed. Rehabilitation after surgical treatment of prostate cancer includes a set of special gymnastics (Kegel exercises) to strengthen muscles perineum and restoration of control over urination.
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