The prostate is located within the male reproductive system. The size of a walnut---the prostate produces a secretion that makes up semen. Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in and sometimes around the prostate. Once a man has had prostate cancer, he then goes into remission. Remission is a period of time when the body is cancer free. Remission can last a few months, to several years and in some cases, it can be permanent---with the cancer never returning. In some cases, the cancer comes back, requiring further treatment.
Signs and Symptoms
While some of the original symptoms brought on by the original tumor or cancer such as painful ejaculation, urinary retention or inability to empty bladder, dribbling urine or a delayed urination can be found in recurrence, there are other signs for which to look. Pain in the lower back or groin and in the abdominals while passing stool could also be signs of recurrence. A sudden loss of weight, anemia, bone pain, skin lesions, blood in the urine and lumps or bumps in any location could be signs that the cancer has returned, and possibly spread or metastasized to another location in the body.
Detection
One of the most concise ways to detect and confirm a cancer diagnosis is by early detection. Making sure to seek medical treatment so that the cancer can be detected as soon as possible will help prolong survival. Generally, other than a symptom evaluation, certain tests and blood work may be performed. Blood work to detect levels of cancer cells or the presence of them may be part of the testing phase. A test called a PSA or prostate-specific antigen, helps to identify a particular type of protein that is produced by the cells in the prostate gland. Checking the levels of PSA in the patient's bloodstream may help determine if they have prostate cancer. High levels of PSA can be an indication of cancer, and further testing is necessary. A CT scan, bone scan or chest X-ray may be done to determine if there is a new tumor or if the original tumor has reoccurred. A biopsy of the prostate (if still intact) may also be conducted to determine if the cancer has returned.
Location and Metastases
The location of the recurrent cancer is important in means of survival. Almost all cancers are staged or categorized into four different survival stages. The higher the number, the more advanced the cancer has spread or metastasized. Prostate cancer also uses other staging tools such as the Whitmore-Jewett staging and the TNM staging system which use a combination of numbers and letters to rate cancer survival probability and establish a general course of treatment. The location of the tumor or cancer is very important. If the cancer is isolated, even in a recurrence, the survival rate can be in the high 80 to 90 percentile for a 5 year rate. If the cancer has metastasized from the original location or tumor, the survival rate diminishes.
Treatment
Treatment for recurring prostate cancer depends on the severity or stage of the cancer. If it is contained or metastasized close to the original tumor, treatment will likely be removal of the prostate, followed by surgery to remove as much tissue as possible that contains cancer cells. Nearby organs or lymph nodes may also be removed if infected. Intensive radiation therapy or chemotherapy may also be a course of treatment. In advanced cases or higher stages, palliative care will likely be established. This means that a hospice care team may be a part of the patient's care to make them as comfortable as possible throughout their last weeks or months of life.
Prevention
Prevention starts with early detection and maintaining overall health. Frequent visits to the oncologist and the family doctor will assure optimum health, and help keep the body strong and healthy to fight off illness and other disease. Following the doctor's orders throughout remission or through recurrence by taking medication and eating the right foods will help keep the body as strong as possible.
