SYMPTOMS

DISEASES >> PROSTATE CANCER

Among men in the United States, prostate cancer is the most common cancer and the second most common cause of cancer death.

Prostate cancer begins as a small bump in the gland. Most prostate cancers grow very slowly and never cause symptoms until they reach an advanced stage. The cause of prostate cancer is unknown

Choosing a treatment option often depends on the man's lifestyle preferences. Some treatments can impair quality of life. For example, major surgery, radiation therapy, and hormonal therapy often cause incontinence and erectile dysfunction (impotence). When choosing among treatment options, men need to weigh the advantages and disadvantages.

In the case of small, slow-growing cancer, confined to prostate where a man expected to live many years, the most effective treatment method is surgery or radiation therapy. For widespread cancer, hormonal therapy works best. For large or fast-growing cancer, confined to prostate, surgery or radiation therapy might be required. If the cancer is spread to areas around the prostate, but not distant areas, radiation therapy is the only solution.