What Lies Beneath
According to the American Cancer Society, 299,010 new cases of prostate cancer are expected in the United States in 2024, making prostate cancer the second leading cause of cancer death in men. To help, there's Histrelin, a type of hormone therapy used to treat prostate cancer. It works by reducing the levels of testosterone.
Signs and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Common signs to look out for that could indicate prostate cancer include:
- Trouble urinating.
- Decreased force in the stream of urine.
- Blood in the urine.
- Blood in the semen.
- Bone pain.
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Erectile dysfunction.
Like with most cancers, early detection is one of the best ways to significantly improve the prognosis. The best way to do this is by being aware of your symptoms as well as what feels normal or abnormal to you. While having one or more of these symptoms does not automatically mean that cancer is present, it is still important to talk to your doctor right away upon detection to learn the source.
In addition to monitoring symptoms and paying attention to how your body feels, some tests and screenings can be done to determine if someone has prostate cancer:
Physical Exam
If your doctor suspects you might have prostate cancer, you will be asked about any symptoms you are having and how long you have had them. You will also be asked about possible risk factors and family medical history.
Your doctor will also examine you, which will include a digital rectal exam (DRE), during which the doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into your rectum to feel for any bumps or hard areas on the prostate that might be cancer.
PSA Blood Test
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by both cancerous and noncancerous tissue in the prostate. PSA can be found in both the blood and the semen. This test can detect high levels of PSA that may indicate the presence of prostate cancer. However, some studies suggest that the PSA might also be high for other medical reasons, including an enlarged or inflamed prostate, so it is advised not to make any decisions based on the PSA results alone.
Prostate Biopsy
If your doctor suspects that you might have prostate cancer, they might suggest a prostate biopsy. This is a minimally invasive surgical procedure that removes tissue samples from the prostate gland to check for cancer or other abnormal cells.
Common Treatment Options
Due to the increasing prevalence of prostate cancer, advancements in and understanding of the disease and its subsequent treatment options are increasing. Treatment options depend on the stage and grade of cancer, the patient's age, health and personal preferences. Some of the most common treatment options include:
Active Surveillance
Monitoring the cancer closely with regular tests and exams, recommended for low-risk cases.
Surgery
Removal of the prostate can be a treatment option for localized cancer.
Radiation Therapy
High-energy rays are used to target and kill cancer cells.
Hormone Therapy
Reduces the levels of male hormones to slow the growth of cancer.
Chemotherapy
Uses drugs to kill rapidly growing cancer cells, often used in advanced stages.
Immunotherapy
Boosts the body's immune system to fight cancer.
Targeted Therapy
Uses drugs that target specific aspects of cancer cells, such as genetic mutations.
Histrelin
Histrelin is a type of hormone therapy used to treat prostate cancer. It works by reducing the levels of testosterone, a hormone that can fuel the growth of prostate cancer cells. Histrelin is a synthetic version of a natural hormone that helps control the release of certain other hormones in the body.
In the context of prostate cancer, histrelin is often delivered through a small implant placed under the skin. The implant slowly releases the medication over time, helping to lower testosterone levels. By reducing testosterone, histrelin can slow or stop the growth of prostate cancer, especially in advanced or metastatic stages of the disease.
Prognosis
The prognosis for prostate cancer varies, but it tends to lean positively. Many men with prostate cancer do not die from it, especially if it's detected early and treated effectively. The five-year survival rate for localized and regional prostate cancer is nearly 100%, and the 15-year relative survival rate is nearly 95%. It decreases if cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, however.