Archive for the ‘Prostate Cancer’ Category
Prostate Cancer
This brief introduction, written by a survivor, will give you a general idea of what is the prostate cancer, and what you can and must do. What can be read in less than half an hour.
Diagnosis
The prostate is a small gland that is part of the system of reproduction of the men. Produces the fluid prostate, which is part of the semen.
Detection
The symptoms rarely appear in the initial stage of prostate cancer, which is one more reason why have a medical examination regularly. The prostate cancer is usually found with two tests and confirmed with a third.
A doctor introduces a finger in the anal opening and pressed the rectal wall neighbor to the prostate. A slight induration suggests that there is a tumor.
Prostate specific antigen (PSA, PSA)
The prostate produces this substance for several reasons, and not only when there is a cancer. A small amount of APE escapes and can be measured by an analysis of blood. If the value is greater than 2.5 ng/ml (nanogramas per milliliter), may reflect the tumor growth. The APE tends to be higher in the elderly and those who have prostates larger.
Biopsy
Are made, with a special needle, from 6 to 14 holes in different areas of the prostate to collect samples of the cells. Apply a local anesthesia before and use transrectal ultrasound to target the needles.
Evaluation
Before you can choose a treatment, you must know the extent and the stage of cancer.
DEGREES
The degree, called the system of Gleason (Gleason score), is a measure of the aggressiveness of cancer, estimated by the pathologist who examined the samples. It is based on the appearance of cancer cells, which are classified in a scale of one to five. The score is the sum of the two patterns more common, for example, 3 + 4 = 7. (The first is the pattern more common.)
A score of four or fewer suggests a cancer of slow growth, while one of seven or more is interpreted as of faster growth. But the prostate cancer is rarely uncovered in the early stages and pathologists tend to undervalue, so a score of less than six might be wrong. In any case, everyone should get a second opinion made of a pathologist expert in prostate cancer.
On the scale of Gleason
Stages
The stage (or stadium) is the size and location of the cancer. It is estimated using digital rectal exam APE, ultrasound and the number of samples in each needle that contain cancer cells. The classification systems of the stages of prostate cancer tend to be ABCD or TNM (Tumor, Nodule, Metastasis) or I-IV (1-4).
* A1-A2 or T1A-T1b The tumor can only be detected by a pathologist who examined the prostate tissue obtained during a surgical operation (for example, for the BPH). If the cancer affects more than 5 percent of the tissue is considered T1b.
* T1c The tumor was not touched or is displayed in the ultrasound but is detected with a prostate biopsy performed because there was a rise in the APE.
* B0-B2 or T2th-T2c The tumor is palpable but seems to be confined to one or both lobes of the prostate.
The cancers of the stages A1-B2 (or T1A-T2c) will dominate local.
* C1-C2 or T3A-N0 The tumor seems to extend beyond the prostate (is extracapsular). It is possible that the cancer has begun to invade the lymph nodes.
* D1 or N1-M0 cancer has come to the lymph nodes.
This is called regional cancer.
* D2 or M1 cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
This is a systemic cancer (or metastatic).
The stage I is equal to A1, II to A2-B2, III to C and IV to D.
According to the National Cancer Society, survival rates for cancers local and regional during five years are almost 100 per cent. Undoubtedly, many men live many more years.
Preparations
Not to lose time and not precipitate without meaning. It is more important to take an informed decision that a quick decision. Don’t expect or allow another person decides by you.
HOW TO IMPROVE THEIR CHANCES
CHANGE THEIR Habits
Healthy eating and exercise frequent can reduce the progress of the cancer. The cancer needed calories to grow, thus limiting their meals to 500 calories and do not drink alcohol. The excessive weight can contribute to the aggressiveness of the tumor and the likelihood of recurrence, and obesity makes more difficult to treat prostate. Avoid fat and meat in general, especially the rojas. Eat fruits, vegetables, grains and legumes, soy products and fish. Vitamins C, D and E, and the mineral selenium and zinc are beneficial, but the supplements of vitamins often contain much higher than those recommended by the National Academy of Sciences, so it is preferable achive your meal. Drink at least two liters of water official (but not more than two glasses of milk) and green tea, red or white. Takes a supplement of fiber in order to obtain some 30 grams each day.
On exercise, food, vitamins and minerals
PARTICIPATING IN A SUPPORT GROUP
Will help you know that you are not the only person with this problem, and known to others that have been treated successfully. Members of the group you can talk about treatments and doctors, but it should take into account that if someone strongly recommends the treatment that he chose, you may want more convincing himself that to you.
ASK QUESTIONS AND KEEP A RECORD
It is hard to concentrate during a medical appointments, therefore, it is a good idea to bring a tape recorder and any person who can help you to focus the item. Keep a record of the results of each review.
Among the things that should try to resolve are:
What are the risks of each treatment?
How much each treatment (and is covered by my policy)?
What is the most important to me?
What treatment seems to have more sense to me?
Who is the best doctor available?
What are reliable statistics about the treatment?
Do you gave me the doctor their own statistics of successful cases or which are generally accepted for such a procedure?
TREATMENTS: EARLY CANCER
Many studies argue that survival rates are similar for all the main treatments. The studies on rates of incontinence and impotence, moreover, vary greatly. Aware that any of these treatments can cause side effects painful, complications that endanger his life, or even a recurrence of cancer.
EXTERNAL BEAM RADIATION
Concept radiation damages the cells. The normal cells often can be recovered, the cancer usually do not.
Procedure is to travel to a center of radiation five times a week for a few months. During each session of 15 to 30 minutes applies burning dose of radiation on cancer.
Advantages external radiation is not invasive (does not require incisions). You can kill cancer cells that are at the edge of the prostate. The daily life is only interrupted by the daily sessions.
Disadvantages radiation may exclude part of the cancer or damage bodies next to the prostate. The skin above the prostate can put red and sensitive. The patient may experience fatigue.
FORMS OF EXTERNAL RADIATION
Radiation configuration 3D-RCT)
It points to the tumor from various angles for the bodies next to the prostate receive less radiation than from a single angle and the dose may be better distributed.
Radiation of intensity modulated (BEAM)
It is also configuration 3D, but with many small lightning instead of one height. The intensity of each ray is variable, which allows a dose more uniform to achieve the tumor.
Radiation beam of protons
The rays of protons do not lose energy during their passage through the body, so that it can be used a lower dose and so do less damage to other organs. It is also configuration 3D.
On these forms of radiation
Internal Radiation (brachytherapy)
Concept If the radioactivity applies within the body, it can be used a higher dose, more focused and constant.
IMPLANTS PERMANENT (seeds, pellets)
ProcedureSmall “seed” radioactive metal are placed in predetermined sites in the prostate. The dose is constant, but loses its power gradually over 3 to 6 months according to the material. (If one has a score of 7 or more in the scale Gleason, you will need additional treatment with external radiation.)
Advantages The normal life can be reset immediately. Some seeds can be placed outside the prostate to kill any malignant cell that could have escaped.
Disadvantages If seeds are not well placed, can damage organs next to the prostate or exclude part of the cancer.
On permanent implants
On the combination of implants permanent and external radiation
TEMPORARY IMPLANTS (radiation of high-dose, HDR)
Procedure Seeds highly radioactive are placed in the prostate through temporary tubes for a few minutes each time. Several doses are applied during a period of a few days. The treatment is followed by a series of external radiation.
Advantages The normal life is interrupted only by the initial stay and the daily sessions.
Disadvantages The patient must remain in a hospital bed a few days during the first phase of treatment. The location wrong of radiation can damage organs next to the prostate or exclude part of the cancer. The patient may experience fatigue.
On temporary implants
Surgery (radical prostatectomy)
Concept Draw the prostate is to remove the cancer.
Procedure The three basic ways to make a prostatectomy are: retropubic (entering through the pubic region of the abdomen), perineal (coming in from behind the testicles) and laparoscopic (done inside the abdomen with a small video camera and special instruments to work through small incisions).
Advantages One can feel relief because the body is no longer there. If there is evidence that the cancer has spread (margins positive), countermeasures can be taken to stop it.
Disadvantages Can be complications and the recovery may be slow and painful. The cancer can spread during surgery, or can be a remnant of this in the body.
On radical prostatectomy
TREATMENTS: ADVANCED CANCER
If a cancer has spread by the body (metastasized), no treatment cure it. However, there are ways to reduce pain and prolong life. Most of the times the pain is caused by tumors pressing nerves or bodies, or that grow by inside the bones (bone metastases). The treatment of pain (palliative care) should begin as soon as it appears the pain.
On advanced cancer (progressive)| On pain control
Hormone Therapy (blockade androgen (hormone)
Concept suppress the secretion of testosterone slows tumor growth.
Procedure Drugs, supplied by injection or pills, or the castration block the production of testosterone. It is usually the first line of treatment for advanced cancer.
Benefits to patients can live longer.
Disadvantages The side effects include hot flashes (crisis heat), loss of libido (sexual desire) and others that can be dangerous. Eventually, the tumor arrive at a stage in which do not need testosterone to grow.
On hormone therapy
On drugs used in hormone therapy
On side effects of hormone therapy
Radiation
Concept radiation therapy can relieve pain reducing pressure caused by the tumors.
Procedure is directed radiation to tumors or the patient receives injections of radioisotopes who migrate to tumors.
Benefits The patient feel better and can live longer. There is less danger of bone fractures.
Disadvantages Fatigue, reduced immunity and skin dryness are some of typical side effects.
On the palliative radiation therapy
Chemotherapy (chemo, drugs)
Concept Drugs can reduce the spread of metastatic cells and alleviate the symptoms of tumor growth.
Procedure drugs are introduced into the bloodstream during several visits to the hospital. The chemotherapy usually is not run until the hormonal blockade has failed.
Benefits to patients live longer.
Disadvantages side effects strong, immunity depressed and possible damage to nerves and kidneys. The chemotherapy is not effective for a long time.
On the chemotherapy
COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE THERAPIES
The complementary therapies are those used to supplement the medical treatment (for example, the use of meditation). Always check with your doctor before attempting any complementary therapy, even if only involves a change in the dose of their vitamins.
The alternative therapies are not supported by scientific evidence. Laetrile (also known as vitamin B-17) is a toxic product that some healers represent as a cure. Alternative Therapies may interfere with their treatment, create false expectations, or be fraudulent.
If the cancer has not spread, you have good opportunities to develop a fairly normal life span. You must continue to exercise and eating well, and we must continue taking regular checkups. This will include blood tests of APE and the search for other symptoms of recurrence. The more time passes without a recurrence, the least likely is that the cancer return. We must remember that the cancer may come back, even if you no longer have prostate.
PAIN AND FATIGUE
As you feel after the procedure will depend on your general health, his age, the procedure, the doctor you chose and luck. Before any procedure, find out the problems and side effects that may occur and ask your doctor what remedies are available.
INCONTINENCE
Almost all men will have some degree of involuntary loss of urine in the period immediately after any treatment. In some cases will be permanent, but there are ways to reduce or control the problem.
On the incontinence
IMPOTENCE
Many patients remain powerless, at least for a short time. Fortunately, drugs and other methods help in most cases of erectile dysfunction permanent.
The cancer involves a challenge both emotional and physical, and you can benefit from counseling, before or after treatment, especially if you suffer unpleasant side effects.
THE RECURRENCE
A relapse is usually detected first by an elevation of APE. That’s called biochemical. However, that does not necessarily mean that the cancer has returned. Some APE stop its elevation and other rise without consequences. And even if the cancer recurs, it is possible that can still escape him with treatments rescue (salvage). It is important not unduly concerned by the possibility of a recurrence (anxiety for the APE, PSA anxiety). There are to focus on the good things in life.