Prostate is a gland that affects fertility and the overall condition of men. Usually, however, we remind ourselves of it when it causes trouble - it is enlarging or developing prostate cancer. What should I know about the prostate (also known as the prostate gland)?

The prostate becomes more and more troublesome with age

True. Prostate- normally resembling a chestnut in size and shape - begins to enlarge after the age of 50. Often enough that it constricts the urethra and the man has trouble urinating.

On the other hand, men over 60 have an increased risk of prostate cancer. In Poland, it ranks second after lung cancer in terms of the frequency of occurrence. But young men also have problems with the prostate gland - in their case it is most often prostatitis.

Diet and lifestyle do not increase the risk of prostate diseases

False . Men who gained weight at the age of 20-22, who started smoking early, are more prone to prostate cancer cigarettes and drink alcohol in excess.

Your risk increases with a diet high in fat and cholesterol, when you eat a lot of meat and whole milk and milk products. Protective properties have a diet rich in vegetables and fruits.

Especially desirable in the daily menu are: tomatoes, green tea, pink grapes, strawberries, raspberries, green peas, rosemary, garlic and citrus fruits.

Problems with urinating indicate prostate enlargement

True.Hypertrophy of the prostate usually occurs slowly and is asymptomatic at first. But the expanding gland grows tighter and tighter around the urethra, and problems begin.

As your condition worsens, just starting to urinate (voiding) becomes more and more difficult, and its flow just stops.

Sometimes letting go awkward after leaving the toilet, and the man has a feeling that despite his efforts, his bladder has not completely emptied.

Important

The prostate gland (aka prostate gland or prostate gland) is located just below the bladder and surrounds the urethra. When the gland is mature, i.e. around the age of 30, the male is 3-3.5 cm wide. Responsible for an erection during intercourse.It also produces a fluid that contains glucose, a substance that nourishes and protects sperm. Therefore, it significantly affects the quality of sperm, and thus - male fertility.

Prostate cancer is a hereditary disease

False.It is not known for sure why in some men the prostate grows slowly and does not cause any problems until the end of life, while in others its cells degenerate and developcancer .

But the family history of cancer (when, for example, our father, uncle or grandfather was ill) should awaken our vigilance. You can inherit a predisposition to this disease from your ancestors. Then you must take care of a he althy lifestyle and regularly check yourself.

Prostate cancer may be asymptomatic for a long time

True.It may take up to 10 years for a 1 ml tumor to form. As long as the cancer cells do not move beyond the gland, there are no problems that will interfere with everyday life.

To confirm the presence of cancer cells, a fine needle biopsy is usually performed. If it does not give a definitive answer, a core needle biopsy is performed. The collected material is examined under a microscope.

Sometimes, however, these treatments also do not give you certainty about your he alth. Then, additional specialized tests are performed.

The degree of malignancy of the prostate cancer is defined on the 10-point Gleason scale.

The most common cancer of the prostate gland is adenocarcinoma. It is 95 percent. cases of all malignant neoplasms of the prostate.

But the malice of everyone is defined on this scale. The sum of points 2-4 proves low malice, 5-7 points mean, and 8-10 points high.

Only cancer increases PSA antigen

False.PSA is a specific antigen produced by prostate cells - normal cells and those changed by cancer. The concentration of PSA in the blood depends on the volume of the gland and increases with age.

It should not be more than 4 ng / ml (for men aged 70-79, 6.5 ng / ml is acceptable).

Young people whose PSA is still 4-10 ng / ml should be in constant contact with a urologist.

If this limit is exceeded, it may be a sign of cancer.

But the increase in PSA does not only occur in the case of cancer.

This also happens when it comes to benign enlargement or inflammation of the prostate gland.

Periodic increase in index may be a consequence of rectal examination and procedures performed through the urethra.

The PSA level should always be tested in the same laboratory

True . Laboratories may use differentmethods and tests for determining the level of antigen.

The differences in the obtained results can be significant, and this introduces unnecessary anxiety.

The test can be performed free of charge in any laboratory, but you will need a referral from your GP or urologist.

Privately you have to pay for them around PLN 40-50.

"Zdrowie" monthly

Category:

Male diseases