Guide To The Types Of Prostate Cancer

The prostate is a gland, about the size of an average walnut, located below the bladder and just in front of the rectum. It is also located around part of the urethra, which is the tube that helps carry urine and semen through the man's body. While many men have healthy prostates, sometimes the cells can become cancerous. In fact, prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer affecting men worldwide, and many older men have this condition without even knowing it. This is precisely why regular prostate exams are recommended once men reach fifty years old, or earlier if they have a family history of cancer. While prostate cancer often grows slowly, certain types can be aggressive. Additionally, treatments will often vary based on the type and grade of prostate cancer.

Acinar And Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Acinar adenocarcinoma, the most common type of prostate cancer, affects roughly ninety percent of all prostate cancer patients. This type of prostate cancer forms in the cells of the prostate gland. Many individuals with acinar adenocarcinoma are not expected to see the disease spread, though some cancers may grow quicker than others. Symptoms of acinar adenocarcinoma include an urgency to urinate, difficulty passing urine, pain while urinating, and blood in the urine or semen. This kind of cancer does make use of traditional options, including chemotherapy.

Ductal adenocarcinoma cancer forms in cells that line the tubes of the prostate gland. This type of cancer grows and spreads quickly. Because of this, some men with ductal adenocarcinoma may find their condition is in an advanced stage when first diagnosed. Surgery is the most common treatment for ductal adenocarcinoma as it does not respond well to hormone therapy.

Transitional Cell (Urothelial) Cancer

Urothelial cancer begins in the urethra, which are the tubes responsible for carrying urine. Urine moves through the male body by passing through the urethra from the bladder and finally out of the body. Typically, urothelial cancer begins in the bladder and from there will spread into the prostate, though in rare cases, it can begin in the prostate and spread to the bladder and nearby tissue. Symptoms will vary based on the individual as well as the extent of their cancer, but common signs include pelvic pain, painful urination, and blood in the urine. Most of the time, surgery is used to remove this cancer, though chemotherapy (intravesical or systemic), radiation, and immunotherapy may also be employed. Patients may also require reconstruction to form a new way for urine to exit their body.