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Posts Tagged ‘Prostate Cancer’

The Prostate Cancer Stages

Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011

There are 5 relevant prostate cancer stages that one must be aware of to understand the full scope of the disease. Prostate cancer is one of the deadliest cancers affecting men today. More men die from Prostate Cancer then any other form of cancer. Yet, Prostate cancer is one the few cancers that, if it is caught early enough, can be corrected or controlled.

The first of the 5 prostate cancer stages is usually only found through a blood test or biopsy in the affect region of the body. It is usually found through a prostate-specific antigen level in the blood test. This stage is called T-1, professionally. It consists of a microscopic tumor that is only in the prostate itself. It is undetectable by rectal exams and ultrasounds and usually presents no symptoms. T-1 cancers are usually local cancers.

The second stage of prostate cancer is called T2, professionally. This stage is one where the tumor can be felt through a digital rectal exam. It can also be viewed through ultrasound. The tumor is still confined to the prostate area. T2 cancers are usually local cancers.

The third stage of prostate cancer is a spreading tumor. This stage is professionally known as stage T3. The cancer at this stage will now start to move to the seminal vesicles and close-by tissues. It has not spread yet to the lymph nodes in the body. T3 cancers usually are regional cancers that affect areas just beyond the prostate.

The fourth stage of prostate cancer is afflicting the organs and tissues that reside nearest the prostate. This stage is professionally known as T4. T4 cancers are usually cancers that are regionally located. They reach just beyond the prostate area of the body.

The fifth stage of prostate cancer is afflicting the whole of the body. It can affect any organ, bone or lymph node. This stage is professionally known as N+ or M+. The N+ portion means that it is affecting the pelvic lymph nodes. The M+ portion of this stage means that the cancer is affecting the other lymph nodes, organs and bones that are distant from the prostate area of the body. All the parts that are mentioned for Stage M+ do not have to be afflicted with cancer in order to be classified as M+. At this stage, the cancer is considered to be a metastatic cancer, meaning that the cancer is reaching lymph nodes or other parts of the body.

Understanding the Psychological Effects of Prostate Cancer

Monday, December 20th, 2010

At the present every person living in this world knows how to define cancer. It is because cancer does not select its victims. Cancer is indeed a very serious type of disease and it requires the attention of the patient and the experts of such field. Cancer must be given an immediate medication because it is capable of destroying the other cells of your body in a very short period of time.

Once a person is diagnosed with cancer regardless of its type he or she will certainly decide to change his or her lifestyle. It is already different once you are considered as a cancer patient. You are no longer capable of doing the usual things that you used to do. Cancer also prohibits you to perform your daily tasks because your body is already very weak.

Moreover the only way to survive from cancer is to undergo therapy. Prostate cancer is one of the most famous types of cancer for male patients. Prostate cancer has something to do with the prostate glands of a person. It occurs when the prostate glands are producing abnormal types of cells that can cause damage to the other portion of your body.

The bitter side of having prostate cancer is when you are no longer satisfied with yourself. You develop a feeling of inferiority because you feel like you are no longer capable of having a normal life. The psychological impact of prostate cancer is more complicated compared to its general physiological side effects. It will surely affect the personality as well as the behavior of the patient.

The greater risk of having prostate cancer is impotence. Aside from the fact that impotence hinders the process of reproduction it also affects the psychological condition of the patient. The masculine side of a man is often challenged especially if he is no longer capable of performing his duties. It will affect his lifestyle and the way he is going to live his life.

The attitude of a person may also change because of this type of disease. Most patients diagnosed with cancer are partly no longer interested with their work and other tasks. They also often believe on the negative side of the world and they are usually hopeless. They also believe that there is no way for them to survive and live a healthy life.