Male reproductiveCancerICD-10 C61
Prostate cancer
The most common cancer in men in many countries. Many tumours grow very slowly and never cause harm, while others are aggressive and spread to bone.
Condition-specific references are below. Individual claims and this page have not been clinically reviewed. Read about this content.
Causes
- Accumulated mutations in prostate cells; androgen-driven growth
Risk factors
- Age over 50
- Black ancestry
- Family history, BRCA2 mutations
- Obesity (aggressive disease)
Symptoms
- Often none
- Urinary symptoms similar to BPH
- Blood in urine or semen
- Bone pain or weight loss in advanced disease
Diagnosis — tests and examinations
- PSA blood test
- Multiparametric MRI
- Targeted biopsy (Gleason / ISUP grade)
- PSMA PET-CT or bone scan for staging
Treatment
Medicines and medical treatment
- Active surveillance for low-risk cancer
- Radiotherapy with hormone therapy
- Androgen deprivation therapy
- Novel hormonal agents (abiraterone, enzalutamide, darolutamide)
- Chemotherapy (docetaxel), PARP inhibitors, Lu-177 PSMA therapy
Operations and procedures
- Radical prostatectomy (often robotic)
- Brachytherapy
Self-care, home remedies and lifestyle
- Pelvic floor exercises after surgery
- Exercise to counter hormone therapy effects
Possible complications
- Spread to bone
- Treatment side effects: incontinence, erectile dysfunction
Prevention
- No proven prevention; informed PSA testing
Outlook
Localised prostate cancer has a near 100% five-year survival.
When to see a doctor
Discuss PSA testing from 50 (earlier if at higher risk); see a doctor for urinary symptoms or bone pain.
Sources and further reading
These sources cover this condition. They have not been checked against every statement on this page.
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