Prostate Exam

Besides skin cancer and lung cancer, prostate cancer is the number one leading cancer among men and the cause of some 30,000 deaths each year. As with most types of cancer, prostate cancer begins when various types of cells within the body begin to grow at an alarmingly abnormal rate. Clumps of additional cells form what is known as a tumor. The presence of a tumor alone does not necessarily signal that there is a cause to be concerned about cancer. In some cases tumors may simply be benign, which means that there is no danger or risk associated with them. In other situations, however; tumors are cancerous and there is a definite need for immediate treatment.

Prostate cancer begins in the prostate gland, which is found in males. The prostate gland is one of the parts of the male anatomy which comprises the male reproductive system. Younger men rarely are afflicted with prostate cancer. Generally speaking, only males over the age of 40 have should have any concern for developing prostate cancer and in reality 75% of all males who do develop prostate cancer have already attained the age of at least 65.

While some cancers spread very rapidly throughout the human body, prostate cancer grows at a much slower rate. One of the most frightening dangers involving prostate cancer is the risk of cancer cells that originally began to grow in the body entering the bloodstream. If this occurs, it is likely that the prostate cancer will affect other areas of the body as well, such as the lymphatic system and possibly other major organs.

Due to this fact it is extremely important for men to observe good prostate health and take care to note if they have any prostate disorder related symptoms. Even this, however; is often not enough to detect prostate cancer as many times prostate cancer does not present with any symptoms in the initial stages of the disease. In order to be sure that prostate cancer is detected early it is important for many who are at least 50 years old to have an annual prostate exam.

Currently there are two methods of prostate exam available. The DRE, digital rectal examination is performed in the doctor's office by inserted a gloved and lubricated finger into the rectum. The purpose of this is to feel for any areas which may be irregular or abnormal. Usually, the doctor will only be able to feel one portion of the prostate during this type of prostate exam, so it may be necessary to have other types of prostate exams as well to conclusively make a decision regarding any abnormalities or disorders.

The prostate specific antigen measurement prostate exam, also known as the PSA, is also used to test for prostate cancer. This prostate exam measures for an enzyme produced by the prostate by using a blood test. In normal circumstances the PSA levels are usually low, however if they are high this may indicate the presence of prostate cancer. The PSA prostate exam cannot be used alone to make a determination about prostate cancer, as PSA levels may also be elevated if there is an inflammation or enlarged prostate gland present. If a PSA is high the doctor may want to repeat the test again or may decide that it is necessary to perform a biopsy in order to make a final determination whether the cause of the problems is related to prostate cancer, prostate inflammation or an enlarged prostate.

While prostate cancer is the leading cause of prostate disorders, a prostate exam may also be needed to determine other disorders. Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland. The inflammation can be classified in three different manners. Acute inflammation of the prostate gland, which is caused by bacteria and may be accompanied by chills and fever, is known as acute bacterial prostatitis. Other symptoms include pains in the lower back and rectum. A recurrent infection of the prostate, which is often associated with chronic urinary infection, is known as chronic bacterial prostatitis. Painful urination and genital pain may also accompany this form of prostate disease. A type of prostate disease in which there is no apparent bacterial infection, but there is inflammation, is known as nonbacterial prostatitis. The most common symptom of nonbacterial prostatitis is difficult or painful urination. Antibiotics are the most common form of treatment for all three of these types of prostate disease.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia, often referred to as simply BPH, is an enlargement of the prostate gland that usually occurs in men who are over the age of 50. This enlargement in the prostate gland can cause a gradual squeezing of the urethra, which makes urinating difficult and painful. Quite surprisingly, many patients of this form of prostate disease do not have any symptoms at all. Those who do experience symptoms may notice difficulty in starting urination, frequent urination as well as an increased frequency in awakening at night to urinate. Because the urethra becomes blocked by BPH, the patient may experience repeated urinary tract infections. A sudden inability to urinate as well as bladder and/or kidney damage may also result from BPH. Men who are over the age of 50, have a history of prostate disease or who are of African-American ancestry may be at risk for BPH. This form of prostate disease does not always lead to prostate cancer. Although other forms of prostate disease may interfere with a patient's sexual function, BPH generally does not. There are a number of treatment options available for patients who suffer from BPH. In some cases, the symptoms may lessen on their own without active intervention. Medications as well as treatment options that are non-surgical may also help to alleviate the symptoms of BPH. Sometimes heat processes are used to destroy excess tissue. Some cases of BPH do require surgery. Some surgical options require the removal of the enlarged prostate, which will allow for better long term results and pain alleviation for the patient, while others rely only on removing the excess tissue. Patients should be aware that there are serious side effects related to surgical options, including further urinary problems as well as a loss of sexual function.