What causes prostate cancer?

Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
Updated on October 31, 2024
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The causes of prostate cancer are not yet very clear. Its occurrence may be related to gonorrhea of the prostate, or viral and chlamydial infections of the prostate, as well as the intensity of sexual activity and the influence of hormones, which may have some connection to the development of prostate cancer. Additionally, a high-fat diet and some occupational factors, such as excessive exposure to chromium, may also be related to the onset of prostate cancer.

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Written by Xiao Li
Oncology
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Can prostate cancer patients eat milk and eggs?

Prostate cancer is the most common malignant tumor in the male urinary reproductive system, with 80% of cases occurring in elderly individuals over the age of 65. From an etiological perspective, a high-fat diet may be a contributing factor to prostate cancer. However, we know that malignant tumors are consumptive diseases, and nutritional status is crucial during the treatment and recovery process, especially in elderly individuals with weaker constitutions. Therefore, patients with malignant tumors should ensure adequate nutrition intake, particularly protein intake. Milk and eggs are common foods for the general population and offer a cost-effective source of nutrition. They can be included in the diet of prostate cancer patients. Of course, dietary intake should focus on healthy proportions. It is not about consuming only milk and eggs at every meal but maintaining a normal and healthy dietary balance, which is better for the patient.

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Written by Zhou Zi Hua
Oncology
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The difference between benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer.

Prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer are sometimes very difficult to distinguish clinically, as both diseases occur in elderly men, can cause lower urinary tract symptoms, and lead to elevated PSA levels. However, prostatic hyperplasia generally has a longer medical history, whereas prostate cancer has a shorter history and progresses more quickly. During a digital rectal exam for prostatic hyperplasia, the gland appears enlarged and the surface is smooth. In contrast, during a prostate exam, the gland may show irregular enlargement, a rough surface, and the tumor feels firm. When these two are difficult to distinguish, considering a prostate biopsy may be advisable.

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Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
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Can prostate cancer be cured?

Early-stage prostate cancer patients can achieve a cure through radical surgery or radical radiotherapy and other treatment methods. Therefore, whether prostate cancer can be cured is related to the stage of the patient's condition. Early-stage prostate cancer patients can be cured through radical surgery or radical radiotherapy. If the cancer is diagnosed at a late stage, with extensive pelvic metastasis or multiple bone metastases, treatment for these late-stage prostate cancer patients primarily revolves around endocrine therapy. Most patients respond well to endocrine treatment; however, for these late-stage prostate cancer patients, the treatment aims to alleviate symptoms and extend survival. Through these treatments, a cure is not achievable.

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Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
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How is prostate cancer treated?

The treatment principles of prostate cancer vary with different stages. For clinical stage T1-T2N0M0 prostate cancer, which is early-stage, patients can choose radical prostatectomy or radical radiotherapy. For patients with locally advanced prostate cancer, specifically staged T3 or T4 but without lymph node or distant metastasis, options include radiotherapy combined with hormonal therapy or solely hormonal therapy. For patients with distant metastasis, which indicates advanced-stage prostate cancer, treatment primarily involves hormonal therapy. If hormonal therapy fails, chemotherapy may be utilized. Additionally, for pain caused by bone metastasis, local radiotherapy or radionuclide therapy can be integrated into the comprehensive treatment approach.

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Written by Zhou Zi Hua
Oncology
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androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer

Androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer includes surgical castration, which can quickly and continuously reduce levels to very low levels. The second is medical castration, which involves the use of analogs of luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone. Currently available products include leuprolide, goserelin, and triptorelin. Third, estrogen therapy, with diethylstilbestrol being the most common estrogen treatment. Surgical castration, medical castration, or estrogen therapy offer similar progression-free survival rates in patients with tumor-related outcomes.