Prostate Cancer Overview

What is the most common cancer in men?

Where do most prostate cancers grow?

What is the key risk factor for prostate cancer?

What are some symptoms that may be associated with prostate cancer?

What does a raised level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) indicate?

How does prostate-specific antigen (PSA) help after ejaculation?

What are the common causes of a raised PSA?

How is a benign prostate described during a digital rectal examination?

What features of a prostate may indicate prostate cancer during a digital rectal examination?

What is the usual first-line investigation for suspected localised prostate cancer?

What risk is associated with prostate biopsy if it misses the cancerous area?

What does the Likert scale score in the results of a multiparametric MRI of the prostate indicate?

Prostate Cancer Overview

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer found in men.
It typically grows in the peripheral zone of the prostate gland.

Risk Factors and Symptoms

The key risk factor for developing prostate cancer is age, with increased risk as men grow older.
Symptoms of prostate cancer may include difficulty urinating, blood in urine, pelvic discomfort, and erectile dysfunction.

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)

A raised level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) can indicate potential prostate issues, including prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Post-ejaculation, PSA levels may temporarily rise, reflecting the gland's activity during sexual arousal.

Causes of Raised PSA Levels

Common causes of elevated PSA include prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, and recent sexual activity.

Digital Rectal Examination (DRE)

During a digital rectal examination, a benign prostate feels smooth and firm.
Features indicating potential prostate cancer during DRE include hardness, irregular shape, and the presence of nodules on the prostate.

Investigations and Procedures

The first-line investigation for suspected localized prostate cancer is a multiparametric MRI.
A risk associated with prostate biopsies is the possibility of missing the cancerous area, leading to a false-negative result.

MRI and Likert Scale

The Likert scale in the results of a multiparametric MRI of the prostate provides a scoring system to assess the likelihood of cancer presence based on imaging features.

Learn about the characteristics of prostate cancer, including its varying levels of aggressiveness, common spread locations, and dependence on androgen hormones. Understand the challenges associated with diagnosing and treating prostate cancer.