Prostate
Gland
The prostate gland is one of the major organs that make of the
male reproductive system. Although it is referred to as a gland
it is only partly glandular. The rest of the organ is muscular.
The prostate gland is located directly below and around the urethra
as well as in front of the rectum. About the size of a chestnut
or walnut, the prostate gland is similar to a cone in shape and
contains a distinct base and apex as well as an anterior, posterior
and two lateral surfaces. The base of the prostate gland is directed
upward, near the bladder. The apex of the prostate gland is directed
downward, near the urogenital diaphragm. Due to the location of
the prostate gland it is possible for part of the gland to be
felt during a rectal exam.
The prostate gland works in conjunction with the male urethra.
The urethra is responsible for carrying urine from the bladder
to the tip of the penis during urination as well as carrying semen
during ejaculation. Part of the seminal fluid that is ejaculated
during orgasm is produced by the prostate gland, while the remaining
fluid is produced by two seminal vesicles. Smooth muscle tissue
is also present in the prostate gland which serves to assist with
expelling semen during ejaculation. Androgens, also known as male
hormones, helps the prostate to function properly. The main male
hormone, testosterone, is produced by the testicles and is critical
to healthy prostate gland function.
At times the prostate gland may become inflamed. This health
condition is known as prostatitis. This type of inflammation is
generally due to the presence of bacteria, although there is a
form of prostatitis in which there appears to be no bacteria present
in or around the prostate gland. The prostate gland may also become
enlarged. When this occurs, the urethra is generally constricted
and urine may not be able to pass through. The patient suffering
from an enlarged prostate gland may experience symptoms such as
a difficulty in urinating or painful urination. In some cases,
it may not be possible for the patient to urinate at all if the
urethra has been compromised too much. Patients may also experience
such symptoms as a burning sensation when they urinate, blood
in the urine and painful ejaculations. This disease of the prostate
gland is generally treated with antibiotics, surgery or a therapy
known as prostate massage.
Another condition affecting the prostate gland is known as benign
prostatic hyperplasia and usually presents in older men. Medication
or therapy is generally used to treat this condition. Surgical
options may require the removal of part of the prostate.
Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer deaths
among American men and by the time a man reaches the age of 65
there is a 1 in 10 chance that he will develop prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer occurs when abnormal cells begin to grow around
the prostate gland and then spread to other parts of the body.
In the early stages of prostate gland cancer there may not be
any apparent symptoms, which can make it difficult to detect.
Annual rectal exams are recommended for men who are over the age
of 50 or who fall into a high risk category. If the doctor observes
any type of abnormality of the prostate gland during a rectal
exam, he or she will then order a blood test known as a PSA to
measure the concentration of the protein Prostate Specific Antigen.
This protein is normally very low, however the levels frequently
become much higher when there is any type of prostate gland disease
or disorder present. The PSA does not always necessarily indicate
that prostate gland cancer is present, because levels may also
be raised with prostatitis or benign prostatic hyperplasia. If
levels are raised, the doctor may feel it necessary to do a biopsy.
It is critical to detect any type of prostate gland disorder
or disease early in order to preserve as much urinary and sexual
function as possible. Unfortunately, if men do not go in for an
annual rectal exam, it may not be possible to make an early detection.
Prostate gland cancer, in particular, is slow in developing which
means that there are often no early symptoms to indicate that
there is a problem. Prostate gland cancer may take years to develop.
The average age of detection in most men is 72. The level of the
cancer stage often determines which treatment options are pursued
and how much function can be preserved. In the best case scenarios
the patient will be able to retain all or part of their sexual
function. Some patients may suffer infertility as a result of
prostate gland disease treatments but still maintain the ability
to achieve an erection. In other cases, the patient may suffer
permanent erectile dysfunction. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy
and hormone therapy are also used to treat prostate gland cancer.
The treatment plan that is devised to treat the cancer usually
depends on the stage to which the cancer has progressed, the age
and health of the patient as well as his desires and wishes in
the matter. If there are other health conditions present, this
may also affect the treatment options that are available to a
patient suffering from prostate gland cancer.
lthough researchers have been unable to pinpoint an exact cause
for prostate gland disorders and diseases, it does appear that
age, race and heredity plan in important role in risk factors.
Older men are much more likely to develop a disorder of the prostate
gland as are men who are of African-American descent. Men who
have a family history of prostate gland disorders and disease
also stand an increased risk of developing a disorder of the prostate
gland. Each year there is almost a quarter of a million new cases
of prostate gland cancer diagnosed while some 30,000 men die each
year from prostate gland cancer. Early detection remains the most
important factor in surviving prostate gland cancer.
|
