Male Reproductive System Flashcards
What is the typical age range for testicular cancer diagnosis?
19-40 years old.
What is the racial demographic most affected by testicular cancer?
Caucasian men.
Why is testicular cancer considered dangerous?
It metastasizes early and spreads to vital organs like the liver and brain.
What hormone is testicular cancer associated with?
Testosterone (it is androgenic).
Why is testicular cancer often diagnosed late?
It is most likely diagnosed due to metastasis rather than early detection.
What are the risk factors for testicular cancer?
• Cryptorchidism (undescended testicle)
• History of orchitis, especially during adolescence
• History of testicular trauma
• Chronic compression/low-grade trauma (e.g., cyclists)
• Steroid abuse (prolonged usage)
• Use of hallucinogens (e.g., LSD)
• Radiation exposure
• Chemical exposures (especially occupational)
• High testosterone body type
What are the early signs and symptoms of testicular cancer?
• Typically none
• Possible hematuria (blood in urine)
• Possible hematospermia (blood in semen)
• Some individuals experience a specific pulling pain between the scrotum and perineum
*RMT Alert: This can be misdiagnosed as a groin pull injury.
• Early cancers are often easily palpable, so men should self-examine monthly
- Look for any non-inflammatory change in size or texture
- Local tenderness is NOT expected in early cases
What is prostatitis?
Inflammation of the prostate, usually due to bacterial infection but not exclusively.
How is prostatitis treated?
Medical treatment varies depending on the cause.
What are the common causes of prostatitis?
• Secondary to UTI (urinary tract infection)
• Secondary to STI (sexually transmitted infection)
• Catheterization, especially in long-term cases
*RMT Alert: Can be a cause of autonomic dysreflexia
• Hypersensitivity/allergy reactions (can be local or systemic)
What are the signs and symptoms of prostatitis?
• Dysuria (painful urination)
• Oliguria (low urine output)
• Polyuria (frequent urination)
• Possible hematuria (blood in urine)
• Achy pelvic basin pain symptoms
What is the most common cancer in men over 55?
Prostatic cancer.
How does prostatic cancer typically progress?
It is usually a slow-progressing cancer that metastasizes locally.
Why are elderly men often not treated for prostatic cancer?
Cancer therapies may shorten their lives more dramatically than the cancer itself.
How does younger-onset prostatic cancer compare to older cases?
Younger cases tend to have a more rapid and dangerous progression.
What hormone is prostatic cancer associated with?
Testosterone (it is androgenic).
What are the risk factors for prostatic cancer?
• Steroid abuse (prolonged usage)
• Use of hallucinogens (e.g., LSD)
• Radiation exposure
• Chemical exposures (especially occupational)
• High testosterone body type
What are the early signs and symptoms of prostatic cancer?
• Typically none that are distinctive
• Possible hematuria (blood in urine)
• Possible hematospermia (blood in semen)
• If cancer impinges the urethra, symptoms are similar to BPE (Benign Prostatic Enlargement)
• Possible erection and ejaculation difficulties
• Rectal examination can be very reliable for detecting changes in the prostate, but many men (and doctors) avoid it
• PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood tests can detect abnormalities but have high false-negative and false-positive rates, so they should not be the only marker used
How is prostatic cancer often detected?
• Many cases are diagnosed via metastasis
Common metastasis sites:
• Inguinal lymph nodes
• Abdominal viscera
• Lumbar vertebra
*RMT Alert: Can be a potential cause of low back pain that does not respond to manual treatment
What is BPE?
Enlargement of the prostate, sometimes to multiple times its normal size.
How does BPE affect the urethra?
It can cause a dramatic decrease in lumen diameter, leading to urinary symptoms.
At what age is BPE most common?
Men over 55.
What is BPE related to?
The increased influence of estrogen that occurs as part of normal male aging.
What are the common symptoms of BPE?
• Prolonged urination, dribbling
• Interruption of stream, stop-start urination, positional difficulties
• Possible erection and ejaculation difficulties
What is the main treatment goal for BPE?
Increase urethra size, usually with laser burn treatment.
Why is patient education on BPE important?
Serious complications can arise from not receiving treatment.
What are the risks of untreated BPE in the bladder?
• Recurrent cystitis and bladder stones (from incomplete emptying/urinary stasis)
• Bladder wall hypertrophy (decreased flexibility)
• Wall damage, herniations, and risk of rupture
What are the risks of untreated BPE in the ureter?
• Stress on the fragile wall due to urine resistance
• Wall scarring, stenosis, and tortuosity
• Risk of rupture
What are the risks of untreated BPE in the kidneys?
• Recurrent pyelonephritis and nephrolithiasis
• Parenchymal damage (nephrons become less numerous and functional)
• Hydronephrosis (high hydrostatic pressure in the kidneys)
• Risk of kidney failure
• Can promote systemic hypertension, potentially at a malignant level
How can untreated BPE affect the heart?
It can promote congestive heart failure (CHF).
How does untreated BPE affect other vital organs?
• Increased hypertension
• Decreased waste elimination capacity in kidneys, leading to systemic complications
