Prostate cancer occurs when cells within the prostate grow uncontrollably creating small tumors. The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system. Prostate cancer typically is comprised of multiple very small, primary tumors within the prostate.
If untreated and allowed to grow, the cells from these tumors can spread in a process called metastasis. In this process, prostate cancer cells are transported through the lymphatic system and the bloodstream to other parts of the body, where they lodge and grow secondary tumors.
Prostate cancer symptoms
If the cancer is caught at its earliest stages, most men will not experience any symptoms. Some men, however, will experience symptoms that might indicate the presence of prostate cancer, including:
- A need to urinate frequently, especially at night;
- Difficulty starting urination or holding back urine;
- Weak or interrupted flow of urine;
- Painful or burning urination;
- Difficulty in having an erection;
- Painful ejaculation;
- Blood in urine or semen; or
- Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs.
What causes prostate cancer?
Like most forms of cancer, prostate cancer is thought to develop as a result of a combination of genetic and environmental factors. A family history of prostate cancer is though to increase the risk of developing this disease. In addition risk of developing prostate cancer is thought to increase with age, being black and being obese.