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What is the prostate?

The prostate is a gland, normally approximately the size of a walnut located below the bladder at the base of the penis. The prostate produces the fluid that carries sperm during ejaculation. Testosterone, a male hormone, regulates the function of the prostate gland.

What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is a disease in which abnormal and uncontrolled cell growth occurs. Prostate cancer may be found anywhere inside the prostate. The cancer can destroy nearby tissue and may spread to other parts of the body.

What causes prostate cancer?

At this time, the cause of prostate cancer is unknown. However, certain factors such as age, race, diet, family history, and the environment may increase a man’s risk of developing the disease.

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

There are usually no symptoms in the early stages of prostate cancer. When the tumor growth becomes more advanced, urinary symptoms may develop. These include:

• Frequent urination (especially at night)
• Weak urinary stream
• Inability to urinate
• Interruption of urinary stream (stopping and starting)
• Pain or burning upon urination
• Blood in the urine
• Bone pain

Many of these symptoms are similar to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous prostate condition in which the prostate enlarges.

When should men begin getting regular prostate examinations?

Because patients with prostate cancer may show no symptoms during the early, most curable, stages, the American Cancer Society recommends the following: an annual digital rectal exam (DRE); and an easily obtained prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood test for men 50 and older who have a least a 10-year life expectancy. Annual tests should begin at age 40 for men at higher risk. This includes African Americans and men with a history of prostate cancer in their immediate family.

What are the treatment options for prostate cancer?

There are several treatment options for prostate cancer such as watchful waiting, surgery, external beam radiation therapy, hormone therapy and seed implant therapy. Treatment is determined on an individual basis after extensive examinations and discussions with our physicians.

What is Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH)?

Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH) is an enlarged prostate. It is a common non-cancerous condition in older men.

What are the symptoms of BPH?

Symptoms of BPH are associated with urinary difficulties such as frequent urination, especially at night; urinary urgency; leaking or dribbling urine; and a weak urine stream.

What causes BPH?

BPH may be caused by a number of factors. One possible cause may be the natural decrease in testosterone production that is part of aging.