It is called prostate cancer that develops in one of the organs of the male reproductive system called prostate. Cancer occurs when some prostate cells mutate and begin to multiply uncontrollably. They can also spread from the prostate to other parts of the body, especially the bones and lymph nodes, causing metastasis. This condition can cause pain, difficult urination, erectile dysfunction, among other symptoms.
The disease develops more frequently in individuals older than 50 years. It is the second most common type of cancer in men. However, many are symptoms of a therapy. Several factors, including genetics and diet, have been implicated in its development, but to date (2005), the known forms of primary prevention are insufficient to eliminate the risk of contracting the disease.
In a study conducted at the University of Iceland for five years, it was determined that sleep disorders may have an influence on the condition of the disease, although not probabilistic of cause-effect relationships. According to the study, men with sleep disorders have a chance of developing twice as much disease compared to them.
The detection is mainly carried out by the blood test of the prostate-specific antigen, called PSA (English acronym of prostate-specific antigen) or by physical examination of the prostate gland (digital rectal examination). Suspicious results typically result in the subsequent removal of a tissue sample from the prostate (biopsy), which is examined under a microscope.
Treatment may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of all. The age and state of health in general affected, as well as the scope of prevention, the appearance of tissues examined under the microscope and the response of cancer to initial treatment, are vital in determining the therapeutic outcome.
