Prostate Cancer, Familial
Prostate Cancer, Familial Causes
Prostate cancer, familial is heredity or family history.
Prostate Cancer, Familial Definition
Prostate cancer, familial refers to the clustering of prostate cancer within families. Patients are classified as suffering form prostate cancer, familial if they have at least one first-degree relative with prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is malignancy (cancer) of the seminal fluid producing gland in males.
Prostate Cancer, Familial Diagnosis
Transrectal ultrasound helps in further evaluating the prostate if cancer is suspected. Prostate biopsy can be used to confirm diagnosis of prostate cancer and assess the severity of the condition.
Prostate Cancer, Familial Symptoms and Signs
Early symptom experienced by patients with prostate cancer, familial is similar to any type of prostate cancer. Urinary problems are the initial presentation of prostate cancer such as difficulty in urinating, disrupted urination pattern, and diminished intensity in the flow of urine. Presentation of blood in the urine or the semen is often observed if cancer has spread to the prostate and area near the prostate gland. Swollen legs and discomfort felt in the pelvic area is an indication that cancer has spread into the lymph nodes in the pelvis.
Prostate Cancer, Familial Treatment
External beam radiation therapy destroys cancerous cells with the use of high-powered X-rays. Brachytherapy or the use of radioactive seed implants are used in men with small and lower-grade cancer. Hormone therapy attempts to stop the body from producing testosterone, which encourages cancer cell proliferation. Radical prostatectomy is the surgical removal of the prostate and used to treat cancer limited to the prostate gland.