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Questions and Answers

What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is a malignant growth of the prostate gland in the male reproductive system.

What is the normal weight of the prostate gland?

50-70 grams

100 grams

20-30 grams (correct)

150-200 grams

What is a major contributor to the formation of semen?

The prostate gland contributes around 20-30% of the seminal fluid that makes up semen.

Most prostate cancers grow slowly and easily spread to bones and lymph nodes.

False Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a risk factor for prostate cancer?

Consumption of a diet rich in leafy green vegetables Signup and view all the answers

Prostatitis, or inflammation of the prostate gland, is a risk factor for prostate cancer.

True Signup and view all the answers

What are the primary hormonal changes associated with BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia)?

With age, there is a loss of testosterone which leads to an increased release of prolactin, estradiol, LH and FSH. Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the enzyme that keeps semen in a liquid form?

PSA Signup and view all the answers

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) can increase tissue levels of DHT, which is a form of testosterone.

True Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of antiandrogen medications?

Block the action of testosterone Signup and view all the answers

What are two common symptoms of prostate cancer?

Frequent burning urination or incomplete bladder emptying, weak or interrupted urine flow. Signup and view all the answers

What are two potential treatments for prostate cancer?

Surgery, radiation therapy, hormonal therapy, cryotherapy, and chemotherapy. Signup and view all the answers

Orchiectomy involves the surgical removal of both testicles.

True Signup and view all the answers

The [BLANK] is used to examine the prostate gland for abnormalities.

Digital rectal examination (DRE) Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the test that measures the levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood?

PSA test Signup and view all the answers

A PSA level of 0-4 ng/ml is considered slightly elevated.

False Signup and view all the answers

Match the following treatments for prostate cancer with their descriptions:

Surgery = Surgical removal of the prostate gland and surrounding tissue Radiation therapy = Use of high energy x-rays to destroy cancer cells Hormonal therapy = Manipulation of hormone levels to block testosterone production or its actions Cryotherapy = Freezing of cancer cells with extreme cold Chemotherapy = Use of drugs to destroy cancer cells Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Prostate Cancer Overview

Prostate cancer is a malignant growth of the prostate gland, found in the male reproductive system.
Most prostate cancers grow slowly but can metastasize (spread) to bones and lymph nodes.
The size of a typical cancerous prostate ranges from a small kiwi fruit to a large walnut.
Normal prostate weight is 20-30 grams, while a diseased one can weigh up to 100 grams.

Prostate Cancer Risk Factors

Age: Risk increases after 65 years.
Race: African Americans have a higher risk than whites.
Family History: Family history of the disease (father, brother) increases risk.
Obesity: Being obese increases the risk.
Diet: Diets high in saturated fats increase the risk.
Hormonal Disturbances: Increased androgen levels increase the risk.
Smoking: Smoking is a risk factor.
Infection & Inflammation: Infections and inflammation of the prostate gland (prostatitis) increase the risk.
Inherited Genes/Genetic Mutations: Specific genetic mutations (e.g., PRCA1) increase the risk.

Pathophysiology of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

As men age, testosterone levels decline, and prolactin, estradiol, LH, and FSH release increases.
Elevated estrogen inhibits the body's testosterone and DHT metabolism.
These hormonal changes increase DHT concentration in prostate tissue.
Prostate tissue receptors have a 5-fold greater affinity for DHT than testosterone.
BPH tissue has a 3-4-fold greater ability to increase DHT levels.
DHT and estrogen stimulate cell growth and proliferation, contributing to BPH.

Prostate Cancer Diagnosis and Staging

Digital Rectal Examination (DRE): Doctor feels the prostate gland to detect shape, size, and abnormalities; used to diagnose the cancer.
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: A blood test to measure PSA levels; elevated levels can indicate prostate cancer, but not always. Ranges from 0-4 (normal), 4-10 (slightly elevated), 10-20 (moderately elevated), >20 (highly elevated).
Biopsy: A tissue sample taken from the prostate to confirm cancer diagnosis.
Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS): Guided imaging used to target biopsy sites in the prostate.
MRI Scan: A diagnostic imaging technique to reveal detailed images; used to locate cancer.
CT Scan: Used to detect the spread of cancer, either locally or to other parts of the body.
Staging: Stage I-Cancer not palpable by DRE, localized; Stage II- Cancer felt on DRE, limited to the prostate; Stage III- Cancer spreads beyond the capsule to local organs; Stage IV- Cancer spreads to distant lymph nodes, bone, or other sites..

Treatment Options

Surgery: Prostate removal (radical prostatectomy), or test removal (orchiectomy).
Radiation Therapy: High energy X-rays destroy cancer cells. Subtypes include external beam and brachytherapy (internal).
Cryosurgery: Freezing tumors to destroy cancer cells.
Hormonal Therapy: Suppresses or blocks testosterone production to inhibit growth of tumor cells; includes drugs that prevent adrenal androgens like ketoconazole and aminoglutethimide, and Oestrogen (ethinyl estradiol and DES) as a last resort. LHRH analogues (e.g., Leuprolide, goserelin) stop the testes from producing testosterone. Antiandrogens (e.g. flutamide, nilutamide) block the effects of testosterone.
Chemotherapy: Drugs that kill cancer cells; typically used in advanced or metastatic prostate cancer.

Prostate Cancer Prevention

Regular Aerobic Exercise: Helps reduce risk.
Balanced Diet:
- Limit red meat and saturated fats.
- Eat more vegetables, especially tomatoes (due to lycopene).
- Eat fish regularly.
- Eat more fiber, to help regulate hormones like testosterone.
Multivitamins: Take supplements including vitamin D and antioxidants (selenium).