Malignant tumour that causes uncontrolled growth of the cells that make up the prostate, the gland located under the bladder in men.
Predisposing factors include being over 65, being of African American descent and having a family history of prostate cancer.
It usually develops without symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they include urgency, increased frequency of urination, difficulty starting or stopping the flow of urine, erectile dysfunction and lower back pain.
The diagnosis is made by clinical history and physical examination. It is confirmed by measuring prostate-specific antigen in the blood and by a prostate biopsy.
Treatment depends on the characteristics of the cancer, its location and the patient's age. Radiotherapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy and surgery may be used alone or in combination.
- Philip W Kantoff. Clinical presentation and diagnosis of prostate cancer. UpToDate. Julio 2016
- Eric A Klein. Prostate cancer: Risk stratification and choice of initial treatment.. UpToDate. Octubre 2016
- Thompson I. Guideline for the management of clinically localized prostate cancer: 2007 update. J Urol 2007; 177:2106.
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). NCCN Clinical practice guidelines in oncology. http://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/f_guidelines.asp (Accessed on February 27, 2016).
- Howard I. Scher. Enfermedades benignas y malignas de la próstata. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna, 19e. Capítulo 95
