Prostate Cancer: Types, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

Prostate cancer is the third most prevalent cancer among males in Malaysia. Most early prostate cancers have no symptoms. Prostate cancer is therefore referred to as a silent killer.

Prostate cancer develops in the prostate, which is a small gland with a walnut-like form that is a part of the male reproductive system. It is more prevalent among men, especially those above the age of 50 years. Therefore, it is advisable for all men aged 50 and above to be screened for prostate cancer by a urologist.

What are the types of prostate cancer?

There are a few different types of prostate cancers:

• Adenocarcinoma is the most prevalent form of prostate cancer. There are two forms of adenocarcinomas: adenocarcinoma (develops in the glandular cells lining the prostate gland) and ductal adenocarcinoma (develops in the cells lining the prostate gland’s ducts or tubes).
• Small cell carcinoma is a form of neuroendocrine carcinoma.
• Transitional cell carcinoma starts in the cells lining the tube of the urethra.
• Squamous cell carcinoma starts in flat cells covering the prostate.

What are the risk factors for developing prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is more likely to occur in individuals with the following risk factors:

• Older age
• Family history: Relatives diagnosed with prostate cancer or breast cancer, inherited breast cancer genes – BRCA1, BRCA2
• Obesity

What are the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer?

Men with early prostate cancer typically exhibit no symptoms. However, more advanced stages of prostate cancer may cause symptoms such as:

• Difficulty urinating
• Urinary hesitancy (weak flow of urine, difficulty maintaining a stream)
• Frequent urination
• Blood in the urine (hematuria)
• Erectile dysfunction
• Blood in the semen
• Pain when ejaculating
• Bone pain

How do doctors diagnose prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer screening is a useful tool for detecting the disease in its early stages. The majority of prostate cancer screenings begin at age 55:

• Digital rectal exam: Your doctor will check the prostate to determine if the gland's size or shape is abnormal.
• Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test: A blood sample is collected to be examined for elevated levels of PSA, which are produced by the prostate gland.
• Biopsy: A thin needle is used to collect a sample of prostate tissue to be examined for the presence of cancer cells.
• Imaging tests: An image of the prostate gland is produced via ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.

Learn more about the different types of screening and diagnostic procedures performed to diagnose prostate cancer.

How is prostate cancer treated?

The course of treatment for prostate cancer is determined by the rate of spread and growth of cancer as well as the patient’s general health and preferences. Prostate cancer is usually highly treatable.

1. Surgery
   • Radical prostatectomy is a surgical treatment that removes the prostate using laparoscopic, robotic, or traditional open surgery.
2. Radiation therapy
   • External beam radiation therapy directly delivers powerful X-ray beams to the tumour from the outside of the body.
   • Brachytherapy uses radioactive seeds to deliver radiation internally, killing cancer cells while protecting healthy tissue around them
3. Hormone therapy
   • Hormone therapy inhibits the body's production of testosterone. By suppressing the production of testosterone, the growth of cancer cells is inhibited.
   • Hormone medications such as luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) and gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists and antagonists can stop the body from producing testosterone.
4. Chemotherapy
   • Chemotherapy delivers medications intravenously, orally (as a tablet), or both, to kill cancer cells. This may be employed as a treatment for prostate cancer that has spread to other areas of the body.

Learn more about the different types of treatment technologies to treat prostate cancer.

What can I do to reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer?

While it is not always possible to prevent prostate cancer, there are measures you can take to help reduce your risk of developing the disease. These include:

• Routine prostate cancer screening
• Quitting smoking
• Maintaining a healthy weight
• Exercising regularly
• Adopting a healthy diet

Prostate cancer is highly treatable. Therefore, early detection of prostate cancer is essential for better results. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests and digital rectal exams can both be used to diagnose prostate cancer early. However, it should be noted that these tests may not be completely accurate as several factors could influence the outcomes. Therefore, it is advisable for men at average or high risk to discuss the possibility of prostate cancer screening with their doctors.

Consult your doctor to determine if you would benefit from a prostate cancer screening.

Make an appointment at Pantai Hospitals

Early detection of prostate cancer makes it easier to treat the disease with effective and appropriate treatment. A dedicated multidisciplinary team of specialists and oncologists at Pantai Hospitals is available for consultation to provide the best care and assistance to patients through screening, diagnosis, and treatment.

Get in touch with us to book an appointment today if you have any concerns or questions about prostate cancer treatment options.

Pantai Hospitals have been accredited by the Malaysian Society for Quality in Health (MSQH) for its commitment to patient safety and service quality.