Apr
2008
Basics of Prostate Glands
A walnut-sized gland in the male reproductive system is the “Prostate Gland”. Changes occur in this gland as the man ages can cause disruptions in his life. The change may be from annoying urinal symptoms to the dangerous prostate cancer. Although younger persons can be affected by the prostate problems, mostly the prostate problems come to the surface after 50 years of age. The causes are exactly not known but studies show that a combination of genetic, hormonal and environmental factors such as diet also plays a role.
Prostate inflammation with painful or difficulty in passing urine is “Prostatitis”. The erectile function is not affected by ‘Prostatitis’. “Prostatitis” frequently strikes younger men unlike other prostrate diseases and treatment can be difficult.
Non-cancerous enlargement of the prostrate that can interfere with urination is “Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)”. Erectile function is not altered by this disease called “Prostatitis”. Prostrate cancer is common in older men. About 70% of the men aged over 65 are diagnosed with prostate cancer. It is more common in African American men than any other group and tends to hereditary.
Location of prostate is in front of the rectum and just below the bladder. The tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body wraps around the upper part of the urethra. The connective and glandular tissues found in the prostrate glands produces a thick milky-white fluid that forms part of the semen that is a liquid ejaculated during sexual activity. The prostate gland requires adequate amount of certain hormones for functioning properly such as testosterone that is produced by the testicles as well as other hormones from the pituitary and adrenal glands.
Prostate Disorder Diagnosis
Digital Rectal Examination (DRE)
DRE is used to determine whether the prostate is swollen or has any lumps or abnormally textured area in which the doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger in to the rectum and feels the surface of the prostate glands. DRE also helps doctors to screen diseases of the rectum such as rectal cancer. All men ages 50 or older have to take a yearly DRE, advises the ‘American Cancer Society’.
Conflicting results are produced by the studies and the study conducted by ‘Mayo Clinic’ demonstrated that men who get DREs are less likely to develop prostate cancer. DRE is a useful screening test. The accuracy of DRE depends on the skill of the doctor and interpreting the test. DRE cannot detect early cancerous tumors as they are too small and cannot be located by the doctor’s fingers also. Because of this DRE sometimes miss the smallest and most treatable tumors. Tumors which cannot be felt by the physicians are less likely to be dangerous.
PSA Test
PSA is a blood test which measure the level of a protein called “Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)” which is produced by the prostate. This is used to detect prostrate cancer but cannot provide a correct diagnosis. Because an above normal PSA level does not always shows the presence of cancer i.e. more than 4 nanograms per milliliter of blood and the levels of 4 ng/ml or less than that does not mean that the person is completely prostate cancer free.
The clues besides cancer also can provide by the PSA test. The mildly elevated PSA levels do not have cancer. The non-cancerous conditions such as “Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia” and “Prostatitis” are accompanied by elevated PSA levels. An elevated PSA also means that prostate glands naturally release more protein in to the blood. According to some studies the ejaculation can elevate PSA levels for up to 48 hours. Doctors also use PSA test for follow-up after prostate cancer treatment and also to predict which patients with BPH are likely to develop troublesome symptoms.
PSA Screening
Prostate cancer is more common but only 3%-4% of men die of prostrate cancer.
Screening increases the chance of finding prostate cancer but does not decrease of having it.
It can detect early stage cancers.
A normal PSA level does not mean that the person is cancer free.
Higher PSA level may force the person to seek treatment resulting in possible urinary and sexual side effects.
BPH and Prostatitis are also the conditions that can elevate the PSA level.
