Prostate Cancer Flashcards
what gender is prostate cancer most common in
men
what are some of the risk factors for developing prostate cancer
increased age, FH, being black, being tall, use of anabolic steroids
describe the growth of prostate cancer
very slow
what are some of the clinical features associated with prostate cancer
haematuira/spermia, incontinence, pain, impotence, abnormal prostate,
what symptoms are associated with the metastatic spread of prostate cancer
weight loss, bone pain, spinal cord compression, lymph node enlargement
describe the use of the PSA(prostate specific antigen) test
not very sensitive or specific
better for monitoring disease progression and treatment success
when should PSA test be done in reference to a PR exam
before, as a PR exam can stimulate release of PSA
what does a benign prostate feel like on PR exam
smooth, symmetrical, slightly soft, with maintained central sulcus
what does a cancerous prostate feel like on PR exam
firm/hard, asymmetrical, craggy or irregular border, with loss of central sulcus
what is the definitive method for diagnosing prostate cancer
prostate biopsy
what grading system is used for prostate cancer
the Gleason Grading system
the higher the grade the worse the prognosis
what management is used in early/benign prostate cancer
watchful waiting
what are the non surgical treatment options for prostate cancer
radiotherapy, brachytherapy, hormonal treatment
describe the mechanism behind the use of hormonal treatment against prostate cancer
the prostate grows in response to androgens like testosterone, so treatment aims to block androgens to slow/stop growth
what are the different options for hormonal therapy for prostate cancer
bilateral orchidectomy(gold standard), LHRH antagonists(cause chemical castration), androgen receptor blcokers
