End Stage Prostate Cancer

The prostate is a small gland located below the bladder, found only in the male reproductive system. Prostate cancer occurs when the cells of the prostate mutate and multiply without control. It is one of the most common cancers found among men and is typically found among older men above the age of 50. Men with a family history of this cancer are also under a great risk, and should get tested regularly.. Increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables and reducing the consumption of red meat and saturated fats can prevent prostate cancer to a great extent.

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of prostate cancer are the following:

Difficulty and pain while urinating
Passing urine often, particularly at night
Blood in the urine
Pain in the lower back, hips, and thighs
Bone pain in the spine, pelvis, or ribs
Problems in sexual intercourse

Advanced Prostate Cancer

If the cancer is detected early, it is easy to treat and can be cured. However, in the advanced stages treatment is difficult, and it is incurable if the disease has spread to organs such as bones and lymph nodes. When the cancer reaches the end stages, the person may suffer weight loss, pain in various parts of the body such as lower back, hips, and thighs. Treatment in the advanced stage aims generally at reducing pain and improving the quality of life.

Treatment Options

A multidisciplinary team of doctors, which includes a urologist, radiotherapy specialist, hormone therapy specialist, chemotherapy specialist, surgeons, and oncologists help you in deciding the course of your treatment. Before deciding on the type of treatment, various factors related to the patient have to be taken into consideration, which include:

Your Age
Overall health
The extent of spread of the cancer
The symptoms that are visible
Possible side effects of the treatment

Hormonal therapy is the preferred method of treatment in advanced prostate cancer. Chemotherapy may be used if hormone therapy is not effective in controlling the disease. Surgery to remove the prostate gland is not a viable option in case of advanced cases. However, a trans-urethral resection of the prostate can relieve problems with passing urine in advanced cases. Painkillers may be given in some cases and Radio therapy may be used to relieve bone pain in others.