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Doctors most commonly diagnose prostate cancer as the most prevalent cancer in males worldwide. Specifically, in the United States, the American Cancer Society (ACS) estimates that 268,490 men will receive a new diagnosis of this condition in 2022.

Furthermore, the prostate is a small gland that sits in a man’s lower abdomen, located under the bladder and surrounding the urethra. In addition, the body regulates the prostate with the hormone testosterone.

Moreover, the prostate gland produces seminal fluid, also known as semen. Thus, semen is the substance containing sperm that exits the urethra during ejaculation.

When an abnormal, malignant growth of cells — which we call a tumor — forms in the prostate, we refer to it as prostate cancer. Consequently, this cancer can spread to other areas of the body. In these cases, because the cancer consists of cells from the prostate, we still refer to it as prostate cancer.

Types of Prostate Cancer

Causes and Risk Factors of Prostate Cancer

Digital rectal exam (DRE)

When you undergo a DRE, the doctor places their lubricated, gloved finger into your rectum to feel any bumps, rigid, or enlarged areas of the prostate.

Since prostate cancer often starts at the back of the gland, it may be detected using this method. Although not as effective as a PSA test, it is more effective among men who have an average PSA level but still have prostate cancer.

Prostate imaging

Using advanced imaging, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound, you can detect prostate cancer. In a 2018 research article, experts indicated that you can now catch it earlier — and better identify its stage — with improved technologies.

Prostate biopsy

Sometimes, your doctor may recommend a prostate biopsy if they suspect cancer from an exam or find that you have an elevated PSA level.

During the biopsy, the doctor takes a small sample of your prostate tissue to analyze the cells. If they find the cells are cancerous, it can also help them determine how quickly they may spread and grow. To do this, they determine your Gleason score.

The Gleason score is an effective tool to predict your outlook, but it isn’t absolute. There are many other factors involved when predicting the spread and course of the disease, with experts varying in how they use the scoring system.

To be sure, the best way to determine your outlook depends on other predictors in addition to your Gleason scores, like your physical exam and tumor imaging.

Treatment of Prostate Cancer

Your doctor will develop an appropriate treatment plan for your cancer based on your age, health status, and the stage of your cancer.

For instance, if the cancer is nonaggressive, your doctor may recommend watchful waiting, also called active surveillance. Specifically, this means you’ll delay treatment but have regular checkups with your doctor to monitor cancer.

Moreover, if your doctor chooses to monitor cancer using active surveillance, they check your PSA every 6 months and perform an annual DRE. In addition, they may do a repeat biopsy and imaging in 1 to 3 years after the initial diagnosis.

Consequently, the doctor actively monitors your symptoms alone to decide if you need treatment when simply observing the disease. On the other hand, doctors may treat more aggressive types of cancer with other options, such as:

– Surgery
– Radiation
– Cryotherapy
– Hormone therapy
– Chemotherapy
– Stereotactic radiosurgery
– Immunotherapy

Finally, if your cancer is very aggressive and has metastasized, there’s a good chance it has spread to your bones. In this case, for bone metastases, you may use the above treatments, in addition to others.