Prostate Cancer Resources

Prostate is a gland that characterized for being small, with a walnut shape, and only men have it. The elaboration and storage of semen happens in this gland, and released later with an ejaculation. If a man develops prostate cancer, what happens is that an abnormal cell growth inside the prostate, spreading after to the surrounding tissues and finally to another areas of the man body.

When the cells of the prostate start growing abnormally, and they start invading the surrounding tissues, the individual can be diagnosed with prostate cancer.  The location of the prostate gland is in the middle of the rectum and bladder. The main function is to create and storage the semen which is ejected out the man’s body during the ejaculation. The urethra is the tube that carries the urine from the bladder to the penis and it is encircled by the prostate gland. Urination problems besides other symptoms are early signs of prostate cancer, and this is due to the growth and enlargement of cancer cells in the prostate.

How Is Prostate Cancer Diagnosed?

Prostate cancer can be diagnosed most of the time by two methods. Physical examination or blood tests are the most frequent method of diagnosing prostate cancer. Biopsy, transrectal ultrasonography and cystosys are other methods to diagnosed this disease.

Self Diagnosis

How do you perform a self examination?

* After a hot shower, check yourself daily. Try to know your testicles, be familiar with their normal shape, size and weight. The skin should be soft and relaxed.

* Softly roll your testicles, one at the time, between your fingers using both hands. Try to become familiar with the epididymis, which is located on the back and top of each testicle. It feels like a lump, but it is not abnormal.

* Even a very small lump anywhere in the testicles, like under the skin, in front or along the sides should be an alert sign. This lump should feel like a grain of uncooked rice or a small pea.

* Inform your doctor of any inflammation in your testicles.

Having a lump or an inflammation in your testicles does not mean you have cancer, it could be something else, but you need to check yourself as soon as possible with your doctor. It is one of the most curable cancer if is detected and treated early.