Prostatic Carcinoma: Causes, Symptoms, Treatment and Cost

Prostatic carcinoma is a type of cancer that affects the prostate, a small gland located in the male reproductive system.It is one of the most frequent forms of cancer in males, and it is anticipated that one in every seven will be identified with it during his lifetime.

The following are the types of prostatic carcinoma:

• Adenocarcinoma: This kind of prostatic carcinoma is the most frequent, accounting for nearly 95% of all occurrences. It develops from cells in the prostate gland that produce and secrete fluids such as semen and urine.
• Squamous cell carcinoma: This kind of prostatic carcinoma develops in the squamous cells, which are thin, flat cells that line organs such as the bladder, vagina, and rectum. This type accounts for less than 5% of all prostate cancers.
• Small cell carcinoma: This kind of prostate cancer is very uncommon, accounting for fewer than 1% of all cases. It develops from small round cells found in glands throughout the body, including the prostate gland.
• Sarcoma: This type begins in connective tissues such as muscle or bone and accounts for less than 1% of all prostate cancers.

• Prostatic carcinoma develops as a result of aberrant cell growth in the prostate gland.
• The exact cause of this abnormal growth is unknown, but it appears to be related to both genetic and environmental factors.
• Research suggests that men with a family history of the disease are at an increased risk for developing prostatic carcinoma, although the exact genetic mutations that cause the disease are still being investigated.
• Risk factors for prostatic carcinoma include increasing age, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and certain medications such as finasteride or dutasteride.
• Additionally, certain infections such as human papillomavirus (HPV) may increase the risk of developing prostatic carcinoma, although more studies are needed to confirm the link between HPV and the disease.

• The most frequent symptoms of prostate cancer is trouble urinating, which includes a weak or interrupted urine stream and a frequent urge to pee, particularly at night.
• Additional symptoms include urination discomfort or burning, blood in the urine or semen, pain in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs, and erectile dysfunction.
• Less frequent signs and symptoms include painful ejaculation, persistent back, hip, or upper thigh pain, and unexplained loss of weight.
• In advanced cases of prostate cancer, symptoms can include bone pain, difficulty breathing, and difficulty walking due to bony metastases.

• Stop smoking: Prostate cancer is more likely when you smoke.
• Maintain a healthy diet: Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables may help reduce the risk of prostate cancer.
• Exercise regularly: Staying active throughout life may decrease the risk of prostate cancer and other problems.
• Get regular screenings: Screening for prostate cancer can help catch it early and improve treatment results, so talk to your doctor about when to start screening.
• Limit alcohol consumption: Drinking too much alcohol increases the risk of many kinds of cancers, including prostate cancer.

• Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): An examination of the prostate by a medical professional to look for tumours or other problems.
• Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: A test that is performed on the patient's blood in order to determine the amount of a protein known as prostate-specific antigen, which is generated by the prostate gland. Prostate cancer may be indicated by elevated PSA levels.
• Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS): To generate an image of the prostate and detect any abnormal spots, this imaging examination employs sound waves.
• Biopsy: Extraction of a tissue sample from the prostate for microscopic examination in search of cancer cells.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): An imaging procedure that creates comprehensive pictures of the prostate by using magnetic fields and radio waves to search for any abnormal parts of the body.
• Computed Tomography (CT) Scan: An imaging examination that creates cross-sectional pictures of the body using x-rays in order to search for any abnormal regions in the prostate gland or related structures.

• Bone pain and weak bones: Prostatic carcinoma can spread to the bones, leading to chronic or intermittent pain and a greater risk of fractures due to weakened bones.
• Urinary difficulties: Carcinoma may cause blockages in the urethra and bladder, leading to incontinence or difficulty in urinating.
• Erectile dysfunction: Prostate cancer can cause physical changes that interfere with erectile function
• Damage to other organs: Changes in hormones due to prostate cancer can affect other organs including the lungs, liver, and kidneys.
• Metastasis: In certain circumstances, prostate cancer may spread (metastasize) to distant organs like the lungs or brain or to other regions of the body like the lymph nodes, which may cause serious problems including multiple organ failure.

• Panchakarma Therapy: Panchakarma therapy is an Ayurvedic treatment that involves detoxifying the body through five cleansing therapies (Vamana, Virechana, Nasya, Basti and Raktamokshana) to reduce the symptoms of prostatic carcinoma. These therapies help to reduce inflammation and improve immunity.
• Herbal Remedies: Herbs like ashwagandha, shatavari, punarnava, guduchi, amalaki and giloy can be taken in various forms such as decoctions, powders or tablets to reduce inflammation and boost immunity.
• Dietary Changes: Certain dietary changes can also help in reducing the symptoms associated with prostatic carcinoma. Foods like green leafy vegetables, legumes, nuts and seeds should be included in the diet while processed foods should be avoided as they can aggravate the condition.

• Plant-based foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, and legumes should be eaten on a regular basis to provide essential vitamins and minerals that can help support healthy cell growth.
• Foods that are high in antioxidants like berries, dark green leafy vegetables (such as kale and spinach), and cruciferous vegetables (such as broccoli and cauliflower) are especially beneficial for prostate health.
• Unprocessed proteins such as lean meats (like fish or poultry) eggs, beans, nuts, seeds, tofu or tempeh should be included in your diet to provide essential amino acids that are needed for healthy cell growth.
• Eating omega-3 fatty acids on a regular basis can also help reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer and improve overall health by providing anti-inflammatory benefits. Foods containing omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, flaxseed oil, and walnuts.

• Refined carbohydrates: These are some of the most detrimental foods to consume if you have prostate cancer. Foods such as white bread, crackers, chips, and other processed grains can increase blood sugar levels and lead to insulin resistance.
• Red Meat: Several studies have suggested a link between high consumption of red meat products and an increased risk of prostate cancer. Limiting your intake of red meat items, such as beef and pork, may thus be advantageous.
• Processed meats: Research suggests that consuming processed meats such as bacon, sausage, lunch meat, etc., may increase your risk for prostate cancer due to the nitrates found in these meats.
• High-Fat Dairy Products: Dairy products are often high in unhealthy fats which can raise your cholesterol levels and increase the risk for prostate cancer by increasing levels of hormones associated with normal cell growth processes in the prostate gland.
• Sugar-sweetened Beverages: Soft drinks and other drinks sweetened with sugar (such as fruit drinks) contain a large amount of empty calories that offer no nutrition but may play a role in increasing your risk for certain types of cancers including prostate cancer.

• Radical Prostatectomy: The removal of the prostate gland, seminal vesicles, and some of the surrounding tissue to treat prostate cancer.
• Cryosurgery: Removal of tumours in and around the prostate by freezing them using liquid nitrogen injected directly into the tissues, then thawing them so that healthy tissues survive while cancer cells die.
• High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU): Use of ultrasound waves to damage and destroy cancer cells by heating them up to very high temperatures in a very localised area around the tumour, sparing nearby healthy tissues.
• Radiation Therapy: Radiation treatment kills cancer cells by using high-energy X-rays or particles. It can be delivered externally (external beam radiation) or internally (brachytherapy). It may be used after surgery if there is a risk that some cancer cells remain in the body, or as a primary treatment for localised prostate cancer that has not spread to other parts of the body.

A urologist should be consulted for prostatic carcinoma. Urologists are medical experts who detect and treat urinary tract disorders such as prostate cancer.

Urologists may also work closely with other specialists such as oncologists or radiologists to ensure that the patient receives comprehensive treatment and care for their condition.

• Hormonal Therapy: This sort of treatment is meant to inhibit testosterone production, which may help slow the progression of prostate cancer. Examples include leuprolide (Lupron), goserelin (Zoladex), and flutamide (Eulexin).
• Chemotherapy: Medicines are used in this sort of treatment to destroy cancer cells and decrease tumours. Examples include docetaxel (Taxotere), cabazitaxel (Jevtana), and mitoxantrone (Novantrone).
• Immunotherapy: To combat cancer, this treatment uses medication to boost the patient's immune system. Examples include sipuleucel-T (Provenge) and ipilimumab (Yervoy).

Generally, some effects, such as urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction, may take several weeks or months to resolve. In addition, the psychological and emotional impact of a prostate cancer diagnosis may take additional time.

No, the effects of prostatic carcinoma treatment are not permanent.

Depending on a variety of factors, such as stage and aggressiveness of the cancer, the treatment may need to be continued over long periods of time or may need to be re-administered if cancer returns. In most cases, however, therapy is successful in treating or controlling this form of cancer.

• Regular follow-up: Even after successful treatment, it is important to monitor the patient’s PSA levels via regular blood tests. Additionally, the doctor may request periodic scans (CT/MRI) to check for any signs of recurrence or metastasis.
• Follow a healthy lifestyle: Patients should follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly to support recovery and overall health.
• Discuss any side effects with a doctor: Patients should discuss any significant changes in their mental or physical well-being with their physician as soon as possible to gain insight into potential causes and take preventative action when necessary.
• Avoid self-diagnosis: It is important that patients verify all information from credible sources such as peer-reviewed published research before taking any action based on the advice of individuals who may not be qualified or licensed practitioners of medicine.
• Seek support for stress management & long term health strategies: Emotional and psychological problems can arise during cancer treatment, so seek out a mental health specialist for stress management and long term strategies for living a healthier life post-treatment if needed .

The cost of Prostatic Carcinoma treatments in India depends on the type of treatment that is being used, and can range from as low as Rs.10,000 per treatment to Rs.2 lakhs or more for advanced forms of treatment.

• Surgery: Pain, infection, bleeding, urinary incontinence, sexual dysfunction.
• Radiation therapy: Diarrhoea, fatigue, erectile dysfunction and urinary problems.
• Hormone therapy: Hot flashes, impotence, reduced sex drive, weight gain and breast enlargement/tenderness.
• Chemotherapy: Nausea, vomiting, hair loss, fatigue and an increased risk of infection.

If you have any concerns with Prostatic Carcinoma, you should see a doctor right away since it may cause consequences such as 'metastasis, bone pain, erectile dysfunction, and so on,' and treatment courses can vary from a few months to years depending on the extent of the problem.