The prostate, which is located at the base of the penis, is a small gland that is approximately the size of a walnut. The prostate makes the liquid portion of semen. There are a variety of conditions that can affect the prostate, though most of the time they affect urination because the prostate surrounds the urethra.
Types
There are three main kinds of prostate problems, according to the National Institute on Aging. Prostatitis describes inflammation of the prostate and can be chronic or acute. Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a condition caused by the prostate growing over time. Prostate cancer is the result of cells within the prostate growing abnormally fast.
Symptoms
Many prostate problems manifest as the need to urinate more frequently, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Disorders notes. Patients may feel pain when urinating or have trouble beginning or maintaining the stream of urine. Prostate problems can also lead to the appearance of blood in the patient's urine.
Diagnosis
Prostate problems are often diagnosed using a digital rectal exam, in which a physician palpates the prostate through the rectal lining. The prostate-specific antigen test is a blood test that can also be used to diagnose prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer, though the test cannot always tell which condition is present. Urinalysis can be used to identify prostatitis, whereas ultrasound can be used to detect benign prostate hyperplasia and prostate cancer. A prostate biopsy can be performed to confirm the diagnosis.
Cancer Treatments
Men with prostate cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute, may not need immediate treatment if the cancer is not aggressive. Prostate cancer is often treated with surgery, in which the cancerous tissue is removed via one or more incisions in the abdomen or in the area between the anus and the scrotum. Patients may also be treated using chemotherapy, radiation treatments or hormone-based treatments.
Treatments for Other Conditions
Prostatitis is often caused by a bacterial infection, so antibiotics are commonly used to treat this condition. Benign prostatic hyperplasia can be treated using medications that shrink the prostate, or using procedures that use heat to vaporize parts of the prostate. In serious cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia, parts of the prostate can be surgically removed.
