Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer that affects is seen more in men than in women. In its early stages, it is relatively harmless but aggressive forms of this cancer can be dangerous.

Diagnosis of prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is often diagnosed during prostate screening tests. There are two types of tests that may be used to screen for this type of cancer; the digital rectal examination and the prostate-specific antigen test. If either of these tests detects abnormalities, further testing may be required. This includes ultrasound, lab tests of tissue samples from the prostate, MRI fusion or PET scans.

If cancer is detected, the next step is to determine how aggressive the cancer is through a biopsy. The Gleason score is the most common scale used to evaluate prostate cancer grades. This score ranges from 2 to 10. High-grade cancer is considered aggressive and has a tendency to spread to other organs quickly.

Next, the doctors will need to understand how far cancer has spread. For this, they may conduct a transrectal biopsy of the prostate. If the cancerous cells have spread beyond the prostate, additional tests may be required. This will help doctors understand the stage of prostate cancer.

Treatment of prostate cancer
Prostate cancer treatment depends on several factors such as the patient’s age, overall health, aggressiveness of cancer, the state at which it is detected and the potential side effects of the treatment. There are many forms of treatment that may be used.

• Surveillance
  In cases of low-risk cancer that is limited to a small area and not causing any symptoms, treatment may not be required immediately. Instead, the doctor may suggest simple surveillance with regular tests, rectal exams, and biopsies to check the progression of the condition. Treatment may be required later if the cancer progresses.

• Surgery
  In some cases, surgery may be advised to remove the prostate gland. This surgery is known as a radical prostatectomy. Along with the prostate gland, surrounding tissue and some of the lymph nodes may also be removed. This procedure may be performed through a retropubic surgery or a robot-assisted surgery.

• Radiation therapy
  This involves the use of highly charged energy to kill the cancerous cells. Radiation for prostate cancer may be administered through external radiation or brachytherapy (internal radiation).

• Hormone therapy
  This therapy is aimed at keeping testosterone from reaching the cancer cells. It may be given in the form of medication to stop production of testosterone, keep testosterone from reaching the cancer cells or surgery to remove the testicles. It is usually advised in cases of advanced prostate cancer.

• Cryosurgery
  This is a process used to freeze the cancer cells and thaw them repeatedly. This change of temperature eventually kills the cancer cells.

• Chemotherapy
  This treatment involves the use of certain medicines that can kill the cancerous cells. It may be administered in the form of oral pills or intravenous injections.

• Biological therapy
  This therapy uses cells from the body’s immune system to fight against the cancer. These cells are genetically engineered in a laboratory and then reintroduced into the body intravenously.