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Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men, after lung cancer, and mainly affects older men. Caught at an early stage, there is a good chance it can be cured, with treatments tailored to the individual patient and his particular cancer.
Incidence; Risk Factors
Prostate cancer is rare in men under 50 years old. However, the risk increases steadily with age and by the time they are 80, more than half of all men will have some cancerous growth, though in most cases it goes unnoticed. Prostate cancer is usually slow-growing and, in men who have it, it is often not the cause of death.
The causes of prostate cancer are largely unknown. It is clear that the chances of developing prostate cancer increase in men over 50. Close relatives of men who have had prostate cancer are also more likely to be affected. Ethnic origin appears to play a part: black men seem to be at highest risk, and men of Far Eastern descent the lowest.
Signs & Symptoms
The peripheral (outer) zone of the prostate is the area most susceptible to developing cancer.
Prostate cancer often has no symptoms. The symptoms are similar to those produced by a common disease of the prostate, namely benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), and include:- a difficulty in starting to pass urine
- a weak, sometimes intermittent flow of urine
- dribbling of urine before and after urinating
- a frequent or urgent need to pass urine
- a need to get up several times in the night to urinate
- a feeling that the bladder is not completely empty
- (rarely) blood in the urine.
Diagnosis & Tests
There are several tests that may be undergone as part of the diagnostic process. Some of these tests may also be performed as part of a routine health assessment.- Urine test. A simple urine test will be carried out to look for blood or infection.
- PSA blood test. Testing a blood sample for the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) plays an important part in the early detection of prostate cancer. If an abnormally high level of PSA is detected in the blood, prostate cancer is a possibility. However, a high PSA score does not always indicate cancer and can be caused by other prostate diseases such as benign prostatic hypertrophy or prostatitis (inflamed prostate).
- Digital rectal examination. The urologist will carry out an examination of the prostate by inserting a finger into the rectum. Although this can be uncomfortable, it is not painful, and tumours can often be felt by this method. Many men find this embarrassing, but remember that urologists do this as an everyday procedure - and it may save your life.
- Biopsy. The urologist may do a prostatic biopsy (removal of a small piece of tissue). A biopsy involves passing an ultrasound probe into the rectum to give an accurate view of the prostate. Samples of the prostate are collected using a needle. Biopsies can be uncomfortable and you may be given a mild sedative or local anaesthetic.
A pathologist will examine the prostate sample under a microscope and check whether or not it is cancerous. If cancer is found, the pathologist will "grade" it. A scale known as the Gleason's score is used. This gives you and your doctor an idea of how quickly your cancer is likely to progress.
- Scans. To establish whether the cancer has spread (metastasized) to the bones, a bone scan may be performed. Another technique is an MRI scan which can look at the body in sections using a strong magnetic field and radio signals. CT scanning is similar to an MRI scan but uses X-rays to build up a picture. These scans usually look for the spread of cancer to lymph nodes in the pelvis. This helps the doctor to decide how far the cancer has spread (if at all), and therefore the best course of treatment. This process is known as "staging" the cancer.
Treatment & Prevention
The most appropriate form of treatment will depend on several factors including:- the size and location of the tumour within the prostate
- whether it is contained within the prostate, spread to the lymph nodes or spread to other more distant sites
- the patient's age and general state of health.
Watchful waiting. Sometimes - particularly for slow-growing tumors - no treatment is the best course of action. The patient's condition will be monitored closely with routine check-ups. Some people, however, find this approach causes too much anxiety and will prefer to have some sort of treatment.
Hormone therapy successfully reduces the size of prostate tumors in 80% of men, but it does not kill cancer cells. For many men, it will be recommended as well as surgery. It is sometimes used prior to radiotherapy to reduce the size of the tumor.
Hormone therapy is based on reducing the level of testosterone, which stimulates cancer growth. This is done either by "switching off" the production of testosterone, or by damping down the levels that circulate in the bloodstream. This can be achieved through medicines that block the conversion of a natural chemical into active testosterone. Alternatively, orchidectomy - surgical removal of both testicles, stops the production of testosterone.
Radiotherapy is an alternative to radical prostatectomy. At the time of writing there is no conclusive evidence to show that one method is more effective than the other. The treatment involves radiation being applied to the affected areas to destroy the cancer cells. This is usually done as an out-patient procedure. The main side-effects are bladder irritation and diarrhea. Some men also become impotent as a result.
Brachytherapy is a relatively new procedure which involves implanting radioactive pellets into the prostate, where they gradually lose their radioactivity over a period of months. The pellets are inserted under general or spinal anaesthetic. Brachytherapy is not recommended for men whose cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
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Conditions that suggest Prostate Cancer:
Risk factors for Prostate Cancer:
Prostate Cancer suggests the following may be present:
Prostate Cancer can lead to:
Recommendations and treatments for Prostate Cancer: | | | | | Botanical | Not recommended:
 Maca | Men with a high PSA level or a history of prostate cancer should not be using maca. |
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Diet |
 Soy Isoflavones (genistein, daidzein)| | Soy protein is one of the dietary elements that has been talked about for a long time as having a potentially beneficial effect for preventing prostate cancer. Soybeans are full of chemicals called isoflavones which closely resemble the structure of estrogen-like hormones once widely used to treat prostate cancer.
Phytochemicals in soy protect against cancer via several different mechanisms, including interacting with intracellular enzymes, regulating protein synthesis, controlling growth factor actions, inhibiting malignant cell proliferation, inducing differentiation, deterring cancer cell adhesion, and inhibiting angiogenesis.
Soy extracts also provide doses of soy isoflavones such as genistein. Cancer cells use the enzyme protein kinase as a growth factor and genistein is a potent inhibitor of its activity. Genistein may reduce the metastasic capacity of hormone-dependent cancers. Studies have shown that genistein inhibits proliferation of prostatic cancer cells.
Laboratory studies are backed up by observations in Asian countries, particularly Japan, where men may develop small prostate tumors but rarely the kind of large, aggressive tumors seen in American men. However, the aggressive form of the cancer becomes more prevalent when Asian immigrants come to the US and are likely to substitute their soy-rich diet with one based mainly on animal protein.
Since prostate cancer cells usually multiply slowly, the development of prostate cancer can take many years before symptoms appear. During this time period, the benefits of natural therapies like soy consumption are more effective at dealing with the problem while it is still small.
Note: Do not take any soy genistein products 10 days prior to, during, or 3 weeks after any form of radiation therapy. Genistein may protect cancer cells against radiation-induced death. |
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Drug |
 LDN - Low Dose Naltrexone| | Dr. Bihari, MD has found that the treatment does not seem to work for prostate cancer patients who have received or are receiving some form of hormone manipulation treatment prior to starting the low dose naltrexone. This includes patients who have received Lupron, Casodex, Eulexin, DES, or other drugs designed to reduce testosterone. In addition, patients who have been treated with PC Spes, the herbal preparation with estrogenic effects, also do not seem to respond. |
 Hydrazine Sulfate| | See the link between Cancer (General) and Hydrazine Sulfate. |
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Extract |
DIM (di-indolmethane)/I3C (Indole-3-Carbinol)| | DIM may reduce prostate cancer incidence as it has been shown to stop human cancer cells from growing (by 54-61%) and provokes the cells to self-destruct (apoptosis). DIM also improves prostate function.
In two papers published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry (Mar 27, 2003) researchers reported that DIM significantly halted proliferation of androgen-dependent human prostate cancer cells. In one of the studies, androgen-dependent prostate cancer cells treated with DIM grew 70% less than androgen-dependent untreated cells. DIM also inhibited dihydrotestosterone (DHT) stimulation of DNA synthesis in the androgen-dependent cancer cells. These effects were not seen in androgen-independent prostate cancer cells.
To determine whether men are at risk for prostate cancer, they are usually tested for levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a growth factor for prostate cancer. In prostate cancer cells, DIM reduced intracellular and secreted PSA protein levels caused by DHT. The researchers determined that DIM’s molecular structure is similar to Casodex, a synthetic anti-androgen drug.
"As far as we know, this is the first plant-derived chemical discovered that acts as an anti-androgen," said Leonard Bjeldanes, professor and chair of nutritional sciences and toxicology at UC Berkeley's College of Natural Resources and principal investigator of the study. "This is of considerable interest in the development of therapeutics and preventive agents for prostate cancer." |
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Habits |
Aerobic Exercise| | A 14-year study by a team from the Harvard School of Public Health found that men over 65 who worked out vigorously for at least three hours a week had an almost 70% lower risk of advanced and fatal cases of prostate cancer. The 47,620 men involved in the study were followed from 1986 to 2000. |
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Hormone |
Natural Progesterone| | Dr. John Lee, M.D., the author of several books including What Your Doctor May Not Tell You About Menopause, has found that progesterone for men is one of the most effective treatments for prostate cancer. He has a series of patients who had metastatic prostate cancer who went into complete remission with natural progesterone. 5-6mg twice per day is applied to the back of the hands in cream form. Progesterone appears to turn on the anti-cancer gene p53. |
Melatonin| | Melatonin has been shown to inhibit several types of cancers, especially hormone-related cancers like breast cancer and prostate cancer. [Bartsch and Bartsch] This may be due to its ability to reduce the number of cellular estrogen receptors, which reduces the production of cell-multiplication factors. The immune-modulating properties of melatonin seem to convey additional anti-cancer properties. It has been shown to support the use of interleukin-2 in anti-cancer therapy, especially under conditions of controlled lighting. Many animal studies have demonstrated an increase in tumor growth rates in animals whose pineal glands have been removed.
Positive results have been shown with melatonin on its own and in combination with interferon, tumor necrosis factor, and tamoxifen. These preliminary results are quite encouraging because approximately 30% of the patients taking anywhere from 10 to 50mg daily (at 8pm) experienced improvements in survival time and quality-of-life assessments. (Lissoni et al, Brit J Cancer 7l(4): pp.854-6, 1995) |
Not recommended:
 Testosterone| | Testosterone supplementation cauases the acceleration of pre-existing prostate cancer growth. It is recommended that physicians screen for prostate cancer with a digital rectal exam and PSA (prostate specific antigen) level prior to initiating therapy, and monitor hematocrit and PSA levels closely during therapy. |
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Mineral |
Calcium |
Oxygen / Oxidative Therapies |
Ozone / Oxidative Therapy |
Surgery/Invasive |
Surgery| | Surgery is the main treatment for most prostate cancer. The most common technique is a "radical prostatectomy", which involves removing the prostate gland, seminal vesicles and nearby lymph nodes. It is a major operation, so it is most suitable for otherwise healthy men (usually, those under 70) whose cancer appears not to have spread. About 80% of men who have this operation are still alive after 10 years. Possible side-effects of the procedure include some urinary incontinence, sterility and erectile dysfunction (impotence), although modern surgical techniques can minimise the risks of this to some extent. It is important to remember that it is very hard through surgery alone to remove every single cancer cell: a radical prostatectomy is no guarantee that one will remain free from cancer. |
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Vitamins |
Vitamin D| | In patients with advanced hormone refractory prostate cancer with bone metastases, 2000 IU of vitamin D with 500mg of calcium per day for three months was found to reduce bone pain, increase muscle strength, and improve the quality of life. [J. Urology 2000; 163: pp.187-190] |
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Preventive measures against Prostate Cancer: | | | | | Animal-based | Fish Oils| | Several studies have shown an inverse relationship between blood levels of fish oils (eicosapentaenoic acid [EPA] and docosahexaenoic acid [DHA]) and the risk of prostate cancer. A study by medical researchers at the Karolinska Institute confirms this association. [The Lancet, Vol. 357, June 2, 2001, pp. 1764-66 (research letter), British Journal of Cancer, Vol. 81, No. 7, December 1999, pp. 1238-42] |
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Diet |
Low/Decreased Fat Diet| | It may be possible to reduce the risk by avoiding a high fat diet through, for example, cutting down on dairy foods and red meat. |
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Mineral |
Selenium| | In one study, the risk of prostate cancer for men receiving a daily supplement of 200mcg per day of selenium was found to be one-third that of those receiving a placebo. |
Calcium-D-Glucarate |
Nutrient |
Lycopene| | A study conducted by Harvard researchers examined the relationship between carotenoids and the risk of prostate cancer. [J Natl Cancer Inst 1995;87: pp.1767-76] Of the carotenoids studied, only lycopene was clearly linked to protection. The men who had the greatest amounts of lycopene in their diet (6.5mg per day or more) showed a 21% decreased risk of prostate cancer compared with those eating the least. This report suggests that lycopene may be an important tool in the prevention of prostate cancer. This study also reported that those who ate more than ten servings per week of tomato-based foods had a 35% decreased risk of prostate cancer compared with those eating less than 1.5 weekly servings. When the researchers looked at only advanced prostate cancer, the high lycopene eaters had an 86% decreased risk (although this did not reach statistical significance due to the small number of cases).
Contrary to popular opinion, research suggests that there is no preferential concentration of lycopene in prostate tissue. [Am J Epidemiol 2000;151: pp.124-7 (review, discussion 128-30)] Although prostate cancer patients have been reported to have low levels of lycopene in the blood [Nutr Cancer 1999;33: pp.159-64], and lycopene appears to be a potent inhibitor of human cancer cells in test-tubes [Nutr Cancer 1995;24: pp.257-66], evidence is conflicting concerning whether an increased intake of tomato products is protective against prostate cancer. Some studies, like the one discussed above, have reported that high consumption of tomatoes and tomato products reduces risk of prostate cancer. Other studies, however, are inconclusive [Am J Epidemiol 2000;151: pp.119-23], and some have found no protective association. |
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KEY | | Weak or unproven link |  | | Strong or generally accepted link |  | | Proven definite or direct link |  | | Weakly counter-indicative | | | May do some good | | | Likely to help | | | Highly recommended | | | Reasonably likely to cause problems | | | Avoid absolutely |
GLOSSARY
Antigen (Antigenic, Antigens)
A substance, usually protein or protein-sugar complex in nature, which, being foreign to the bloodstream or tissues of an animal, stimulates the formation of specific blood serum antibodies and white blood cell activity. Re-exposure to similar antigen will reactivate the white blood cells and antibody programmed against this specific antigen.
Anxiety
Apprehension of danger, or dread, accompanied by nervous restlessness, tension, increased heart rate, and shortness of breath unrelated to a clearly identifiable stimulus.
Apoptosis
Programmed cell death as signaled by the nuclei in normally functioning human and animal cells when age or state of cell health and condition dictates. Cancerous cells, however, are unable to experience the normal cell transduction or apoptosis-driven natural cell death process.
Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, BPH)
The benign buildup in the prostate of "warts" or epithelial neoplasias that can block or interrupt urination, and which are usually concurrent with moderate prostate enlargement. They cause a dull ache on urination, ejaculation, and/or defecation. The diagnosis is medical, since the same subjective conditions can result fromcancer of the prostate. BPH is common in men over fifty and can be the result either of diminished production of complete testosterone or poor pelvic circulation. Alcohol, coffee, speed, and antihistamines can all aggravate the problem.
Biopsy
Removal of a sample of tissue from a living being for diagnosis. A pathologist later uses a microscope to look for certain features, such as cancer cells, in the sample. A fine-needle aspiration biopsy involves inserting a thin needle to remove a small amount of tissue, sometimes using CT or ultrasound to guide the needle. A core biopsy involves obtaining a sample of tissue with a thick needle or by inserting a thin, lighted tube (laparoscope) into a small incision in the abdomen. Another biopsy method is to remove tissue during an operation.
Calcium
The body's most abundant mineral. Its primary function is to help build and maintain bones and teeth. The body also needs calcium to carry nerve signals, keep the heart functioning, contract muscles, clot blood and maintain healthy skin. Calcium helps control blood acid-alkaline balance, plays a role in cell division, muscle growth and iron utilization, activates certain enzymes, and helps transport nutrients through cell membranes. Calcium also forms a cellular cement called ground substance that helps hold cells and tissues together.
Cancer
Refers to the various types of malignant neoplasms that contain cells growing out of control and invading adjacent tissues, which may metastasize to distant tissues.
Carotene
Converted into vitamin A in the body from a yellow pigment that has several forms (i.e., alpha-, beta-, and gamma-carotene).
Checkup (Check-up, Checkups, Check-ups)
A thorough physical examination that includes a variety of tests depending on the age, sex and health of the person.
DHA
Docosahexanoic Acid. A metabolite of the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid.
Diabetes Mellitus (Diabetes, Diabetic, Diabetics)
A disease with increased blood glucose levels due to lack or ineffectiveness of insulin. Diabetes is found in two forms; insulin-dependent diabetes (juvenile-onset) and non-insulin-dependent (adult-onset). Symptoms include increased thirst; increased urination; weight loss in spite of increased appetite; fatigue; nausea; vomiting; frequent infections including bladder, vaginal, and skin; blurred vision; impotence in men; bad breath; cessation of menses; diminished skin fullness. Other symptoms include bleeding gums; ear noise/buzzing; diarrhea; depression; confusion.
Diarrhea
Excessive discharge of contents of bowel.
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
A highly active form of testosterone, which influences many aspects of manly behavior, from sex drive to aggression. The conversion from testosterone to DHT is driven by an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase, which is produced in the prostate, various adrenal glands, and the scalp.
DNA
Deoxyribonucleic acid, the large molecule that is the main carrier of genetic information in cells. DNA is found mainly in the chromosomes of cells.
Enzymes (Enzyme)
Specific protein catalysts produced by the cells that are crucial in chemical reactions and in building up or synthesizing most compounds in the body. Each enzyme performs a specific function without itself being consumed. For example, the digestive enzyme amylase acts on carbohydrates in foods to break them down.
EPA
Environmental Protection Agency. Also: Eicosapentanoic Acid. A metabolite of the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid.
Estrogen (Oestrogen)
One of the female sex hormones produced by the ovaries.
Gland (Glands)
The glandular system is one of the most important and complicated systems of the body. Gland tissue can be either an organ or general tissue that secretes chemicals and there are two types of gland: exocrine and endocrine. Those glands which secrete chemicals through tubules or ducts are called exocrine and include sweat, tear and salivary glands. Ductless glands - part of the endocrine system - secrete special chemicals (hormones) directly into the blood.
Herbs (Herb, Herbal)
Herbs may be used as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, teas should be made with one teaspoon herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 to 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 to 20 minutes for roots. Tinctures may be used singly or in combination as noted. The high doses of single herbs suggested may be best taken as dried extracts (in capsules), although tinctures (60 drops four times per day) and teas (4 to 6 cups per day) may also be used.
Hormones (Hormone)
Chemical substances secreted by a variety of body organs that are carried by the bloodstream and usually influence cells some distance from the source of production. Hormones signal certain enzymes to perform their functions and, in this way, regulate such body functions as blood sugar levels, insulin levels, the menstrual cycle, and growth. These can be prescription, over-the-counter, synthetic or natural agents. Examples include adrenal hormones such as corticosteroids and aldosterone; glucagon, growth hormone, insulin, testosterone, estrogens, progestins, progesterone, DHEA, melatonin, and thyroid hormones such as thyroxine and calcitonin.
Hypertension
High blood pressure. Hypertension increases the risk of heart attack, stroke, and kidney failure because it adds to the workload of the heart, causing it to enlarge and, over time, to weaken; in addition, it may damage the walls of the arteries.
Incontinence (Incontinent)
The inability to retain urine in the bladder for a reasonable length of time. It is can be caused by urethral irritation, loss of tone to the basement muscle of the bladder (the trigone), scarification or growths on the urethral lining, nerve damage, or emotional stress.
Interferon
A protein formed by the cells of the immune system in the presence of a virus, etc. It prevents viral reproduction, and is capable of protecting noninfected cells from viral infection. Several kinds of interferon exist including alpha, beta, and gamma.
IU (mIU, uIU)
International Unit: An arbitrarily defined but agreed upon unit that depends on what is being measured.
mIU: 0.001 or one thousandth of an IU.
uIU: 0.000001 or one millionth of an IU.
Lung (Lungs, Pulmonary)
Organ of the body, located in the chest cavity which is designed to bring oxygen from the air into the blood stream, while also expelling carbon dioxide and other waste gases out of the body. Pulmonary: Related to the lungs.
Lymph Nodes (Axillary Nodes, Inguinal Nodes, Lymph Gland, Lymph Glands, Lymph Node, Lymphatic)
Small, bean-shaped nodes at various points throughout the body that function to filter the lymph fluid and attempt to destroy the microorganisms and abnormal cells which collect there. The most common locations are the neck (both sides and front), armpit (axillary) and groin (inguinal), but also under the jaw and behind the ears. Swollen or painful lymph nodes generally result from localized or systemic infection, abscess formation, or malignancy. Other causes of enlarged lymph nodes are extremely rare. Physical examination for lymph nodes includes pressing on them to check for size, texture, warmth, tenderness and mobility. Most lymph nodes can not be felt until they become swollen, and then will only be tender when pressed or massaged. A lymph node that is painful even without touching indicates greater swelling. Lymph nodes can usually be distinguished from other growths because they generally feel small, smooth, round or oval-shaped and somewhat mobile when attempts are made to push them sideways. Because less fat covers the lymph nodes in children, they are easier to feel, even when they are not busy filtering germs or making antibodies. Childrens' nodes enlarge faster, get bigger in response to an infection and stay swollen longer than an adult's. Also known (incorrectly) as lymph glands.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
A technique used in diagnosis that combines radio waves and magnetic forces to produce detailed images of the internal structures of the body.
Malignant (Cancerous)
Dangerous. Mainly used to describe a cancerous growth -- when used this way, it means the growth is cancerous and predisposed to spreading.
Melatonin
The only hormone secreted into the bloodstream by the pineal gland. The hormone appears to inhibit numerous endocrine functions, including the gonadotropic hormones. Research exists on the efficacy of melatonin in treating jet lag and certain sleep disorders. Dosages greater than l milligram have been associated with drowsiness, headaches, disturbances in sleep/wake cycles and is contraindicated in those who are on antidepressive medication. It also negatively influences insulin utilization.
Menopause (Menopausal)
The cessation of menstruation (usually not official until 12 months have passed without periods), occurring at the average age of 52. As commonly used, the word denotes the time of a woman's life, usually between the ages of 45 and 54, when periods cease and any symptoms of low estrogen levels persist, including hot flashes, insomnia, anxiety, mood swings, loss of libido and vaginal dryness. When these early menopausal symptoms subside, a woman becomes postmenopausal.
Metastasize (Metastases, Metastasized, Metastasizes, Metastasizing, Metastatic)
Usually in reference to cancer: to spread, especially destructively.
Microgram (mcg, Micrograms, ug)
0.000001 or a millionth of a gram.
Milligram (mg, Milligrams)
0.001 or a thousandth of a gram.
Necrosis
Death of one or more cells, or of a portion of a tissue or organ.
Pancreas (Pancreatic)
Opposite the liver and behind the stomach, the pancreas has two main functions - to manufacture various enzymes for digestion, and to release hormones to help control the body's use of carbohydrates. It releases insulin to help each cell absorb glucose to burn as energy. In this way, insulin controls the amount of sugar (glucose) in the blood. Proper pancreatic function is very important: too much, too little, or no insulin production can be life-threatening. Some of the chemicals released by the pancreas are not hormones, but stimulate other glands to make hormones. Once again, balance is necessary. Nutritional requirements for the pancreas are many. Research indicates that chromium vitamins C, E, B-complex, calcium, magnesium and potassium are especially important.
Pathology (Pathologist)
Disease, particularly one with clear and obvious changes in structure or function; the study of same.
Pelvis
The lower part of the abdomen between the hip bones. Organs in a woman's pelvis include the uterus, vagina, ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder and rectum.
Phytochemicals (Phytochemical)
Substances such as vitamins and minerals that occur naturally in plants and have been shown in research to possibly prevent or cure disease.
Pineal (Pineal Gland)
The pineal gland is a pea-sized organ at the center of the brain that is highly sensitive to light. Until recently, almost nothing was known about this gland. Darkness signals the pineal gland to release melatonin. This important hormone has been found to play a role in sexual function and energy levels in general. It is also a powerful antioxidant protecting the body from age-causing free radicals.
Placebo (Placebos)
A pharmacologically inactive substance. Often used to compare clinical responses against the effects of pharmacologically active substances in experiments.
Progesterone
This is the hormone secreted after ovulation by the corpus luteum. It is a steroid (similar to a cholesterol), enters receptive cells to stimulate their growth, and acts as an anabolic agent. Estrogen should be viewed as the primary coat underneath all the cycles during a woman's reproductive years, with progesterone, its antagonist, surging for ten or twelve days in ovulatory months. Most of the actions of progesterone cannot occur without estrogen having previously induced the growth of progesterone-receptive binding sites.
Prostate
The prostate gland in men that surrounds the neck of the bladder and the urethra and produces a secretion that liquefies coagulated semen.
Prostatectomy
Removal of the prostate gland.
Prostatitis
Inflammation of the prostate. The causes may be varied, ranging from infection to portal congestion to cancer to increased adipose estradiol release in the middle-aged male... to over-use.
Protein (Proteins)
Compounds composed of hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen present in the body and in foods that form complex combinations of amino acids. Protein is essential for life and is used for growth and repair. Foods that supply the body with protein include animal products, grains, legumes, and vegetables. Proteins from animal sources contain the essential amino acids. Proteins are changed to amino acids in the body.
Radiation Therapy (Radiotherapy)
The use of high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. Depending on the stage of the disease, treatment with radiation may be given alone or with chemotherapy. Radiation therapy is local therapy; it affects cancer cells only in the treated area. External radiation does not cause the body to become radioactive. Most often, treatment is given on an outpatient basis in a hospital or clinic.
Sedative
Calming, quieting; drug that quiets nervous excitement.
Selenium
An essential element involved primarily in enzymes that are antioxidants. Three selenium- containing enzymes are antioxidant peroxidases and a fourth selenium-containing enzyme is involved in thyroid hormone production. The prostate contains a selenium-containing protein and semen contains relatively large amounts of selenium. Clinical studies show that selenium is important in lowering the risk of several types of cancers. In combination with Vitamin E, selenium aids the production of antibodies and helps maintain a healthy heart. It also aids in the function of the pancreas, provides elasticity to tissues and helps cells defend themselves against damage from oxidation.
Seminal Vesicles
These are a couple of spongy glands, 1.5 to 2 inches long, that secrete high-sugar, acidic, and thick, ropy colloid into the ductus deferens (containing sperm from the testes) during ejaculation. The two fluids empty into the prostate, where they are mixed with alkaline prostatic fluids to form semen.
Staging
Although grading and the identification of cancer cell types help determine a patient's prognosis, most doctors believe that the cancer's stage is a better indicator of a patient's survivability. The grade of a cancer cell is an assessment of its appearance compared to that of a normal, healthy cell. Grading is done on a scale (such as 1 to 4) with grade 1 cells differing little from normal cells, typically spreading slowly, and having a good prognosis for treatment. The highest grade cells look extremely different and indicate an aggressive cancer with poor prognosis. Staging allows a physician to gauge the size and location of tumors by using information gathered from imaging studies such as CT scans and MRIs, and from pathology tests and physical examinations. Staging factors that influence a patient's prognosis are:- Spread to tissues surrounding the kidney
- Spread to contiguous organs
- Spread to nearby lymph nodes
- Distant metastasis.
Testicles (Testicle, Testicular)
Egg-shaped sex glands in the scrotum that secrete male hormones such as testosterone, and produce sperm.
Testosterone
The principal male sex hormone that induces and maintains the changes that take place in males at puberty. In men, the testicles continue to produce testosterone throughout life, though there is some decline with age. A naturally occurring androgenic hormone.
Tumor (Tumors, Tumour, Tumours)
An abnormal growth of tissue resulting from uncontrolled, progressive multiplication of cells and serving no physiological function; a neoplasm. Literally, a swelling; in the past the term has been used in reference to any swelling of the body, no matter what the cause. However, the word is now being used almost exclusively to refer to a neoplastic mass, and the more general usage is being discarded.
Ultrasound
Ultrasound testing uses sound waves projected into the body to produce an image of internal organs, structures, tumors, etc. In this procedure, a gel is applied to the patient's skin, and a small device that emits ultrasonic pulses is slowly passed over the area. The sonic image produced is viewed on a monitor.
Vitamin D
A fat-soluble vitamin essential to one's health. Regulates the amount of calcium and phosphorus in the blood by improving their absorption and utilization. Necessary for normal growth and formation of bones and teeth. For Vitamin D only, 1mcg translates to 40 IU.
X-rays (X-ray)
High-energy radiation used to take pictures of areas inside the body.
Last updated: Jun 15, 2008
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