Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer that affects men. The cancer usually grows slowly and is not a problem if confined to the prostate area. Once the cancer starts to spread to other tissues, the condition becomes life-threatening, according to the Mayo Clinic. There are four stages of prostate cancer. Stage 1 cancer is confined to a small area that cannot be felt by a doctor while Stage 2 cancer can be felt by a doctor, but is still confined to the gland. Stage 3 prostate cancer usually spreads to the seminal vesicles--glands that produce semen--and surrounding tissues, but does not reach distant areas of the body like organs and lymph nodes. Stage 4 is the final stage where cancer spreads to bones, organs and lymph nodes.
Complications
According to the Mayo Clinic, cancer and its treatment, such as radiation, surgery and hormone treatment, both have effects on the normal functioning of the body. One of the main complications with Stage 3 prostate cancer is erectile dysfunction. The cancer at this stage affects the seminal vesicles and associated tissues that produce semen. This makes it difficult to get and sustain an erection. Incontinence is another complication where the individual is unable to control the flow of urine due to damage from the cancer or treatment. Stage 3 prostate cancer may become life-threatening if the cancer spreads to other parts of the body via the bloodstream or lymph nodes. Cancer is not treatable at this point.
Symptoms
There are several symptoms experienced with prostate cancer and they vary with each individual, according to the National Cancer Institute. The most common symptoms are urinary problems. Urine flow may be weak or an individual may not be able to urinate at all. Some individuals may have a difficult time starting or stopping the flow of urine while some may feel the need to urinate often, especially at night. Pain or burning sensations are also common during urination. The presence of blood may be found in urine and semen, and some individuals experience problems having an erection. It is also common to have pain in the upper thighs, lower back and hips.
Diagnosis
Initial diagnostic procedures for all stages involve screening for prostate cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic. One type of screening is DRE, or digital rectal exam, where the doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum and feels the prostate for abnormalities in size, shape and texture of the gland. The PSA, or prostate specific antigen, test is a blood test that is used to detect PSA, a chemical made by the prostate gland. If levels of PSA are high, this may indicate cancer, inflammation or infection.
If an abnormality is detected in Stage 3, then doctors test for cancer. Ultrasound uses sound waves to generate a picture of the prostate gland and enables the doctor to look for abnormalities. If cancer is suspected, a prostate biopsy is done where a needle is inserted into the prostate and a piece of tissue is removed for analysis. Once cancer is diagnosed, doctors use bone scans, MRI and CT scans to assess the spread.
Treatment
According to the National Cancer Institute, radical prostatectomy is used to remove the entire cancerous prostate gland along with surrounding tissues. This works for Stage 3 where the cancer is not too widespread. Radiation therapy is also used in Stage 3 to destroy cancer cells by directing a radioactive beam toward the cancerous prostate gland.
Prevention
Prevention involves keeping the body healthy to lower the risk of cancer. It is important to eat healthy fruits, vegetables and food because of the natural source of nutrients that help fight cancer like antioxidants. Exercise is also important because it helps keep a healthy body weight and has been known to reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
