Prosate Cancer

Prostate cancer is cancer that occurs in the prostate a small walnut-shaped gland in men that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men. The prostate is a small walnut shaped gland in the pelvis of men. It is located next to the bladder and can be examined by getting a digital rectal exam. Prostate cancer is a form of cancer that develops in the prostate gland.

Types of prostate cancer

Almost all prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas. These cancers develop from the gland cells (the cells that make the prostate fluid that is added to the semen).

Other types of cancer that can start in the prostate include:

• Small cell carcinomas.
• Neuroendocrine tumors (other than small cell carcinomas)
• Transitional cell carcinomas
• Sarcomas.

Symptoms

Symptoms are often similar to those of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Men observing the following signs and/or symptoms should see their physician for a thorough examination:

• Blood in urine or semen
• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Inability to urinate
• Nagging pain or stiffness in the back, hips, upper thighs, or pelvis
• Painful ejaculation

Radical prostatectomy is the surgical removal of the prostate gland and surrounding tissues including seminal vesicles and pelvic lymph nodes. Surgeons use one of two surgical techniques, retropubic prostatectomy or perineal prostatectomy.

General anesthesia is used in both procedures. In retropubic prostatectomy, an incision is made in the lower abdomen. This gives the surgeon access to prostate gland, seminal vesicles, and pelvic lymph nodes.

In perineal prostatectomy, the incision is made in the perineum (space between scrotum and rectum). With perineal prostatectomy, a second procedure is required to remove the pelvic lymph nodes, lymphadenectomy.