Prostate and Bladder Cancer Flashcards
how much does the prostate weight in a young adult?
20g
what are the 2 areas of the prostate?
apex - inferior portion of prostate, continuous with striated sphincter
base - superior portion and continuous with bladder neck
describe the prostatic urethra
covered by transitional epithelium contains verumontanum (landmark near the entrance of the ejaculatory ducts (on both sides, corresponding vas deferens and seminal vesicle feed into corresponding ejaculatory duct).)
what are the 3 zones of the prostate?
transitional zone
central zone
peripheral zone
describe transitional zone
surrounds prostatic urethra proximal to the veru
gives rise to BPH
only 20% of cancers arise here
describe central zone
cone shaped region that surrounds the ejaculatory duct
very rare site of cancer
describe peripheral zone
posteriolateral prostate
majority of prostatic glandular tissue
70% of prostate cancers arise here
most common cancer in males?
prostate
what screening tool is used in prostate cancer/enlargement?
PSA (prostate specific antigen)
- not cancer specific, only shows prostate disease/enlargement
risk factors for prostate cancer?
peak age = 70-74 (rare under 50) more common in the west (rarer in asia) more common in black males rare in Asians family history
presentation of prostate cancer?
arises from peripheral zone so usually has no symptoms and is picked up by PSA tests and abnormal PR exam
how might late stage prostate cancer present?
lower urinary tract symptoms
haematuria/hematospermia
bone pain, anorexia, weight loss
urinary retention indicates BPH or prostate cancer, why?
BPH
BPH arises in transitional zone so causes urinary symptoms
cancer arises in peripheral zone so doesn’t really affect urinary tract
what is PSA?
prostatic specific antigen
glycoprotein enzyme produced by secretory epithelial cells of prostate gland
involved with liquefaction of semen
describe PSA levels in health
high semen levels
low serum levels
- serum levels increase in cancer
what is done if raised PSA is found?
trans rectal US guised prostate biopsy (TRUS biopsy)
US probe passed through rectum and prostate visualised in transverse and sagittal section
10 biopsies taken (5 from each lobe - as prostate cancer is multifocal)
risks of TRUS biopsy?
infection
bleeding
fainting
haematospermia and haematuria for 2-3 weeks