Diseases of the Prostate Gland

Diseases of the prostate gland are conditions that affect all men as they age. Among these, prostate cancer is one of the most dangerous diseases.

Diseases of the Prostate Gland

Diseases of the prostate gland are conditions that affect all men as they age. Among these, prostate cancer is a dangerous disease that, if left untreated in its early stages, can cause significant distress to patients, and destroy their quality of life in their golden years. Currently, prostate cancer is the most common cancer, ranking second among cancers in male patients. Prostate cancer can be detected in its early stages and can be treated and cured completely.

Self-care for early detection of prostate cancer includes:

1. Annual health check-ups covering prostate gland diseases, divided into 2 groups:

1.1 Individuals with a direct family history of prostate cancer (grandfather, father, and blood-related brothers) should undergo prostate gland examinations every year consistently once they are over 40 years old.

1.2 General population aged 50 years and older should undergo health check-ups covering prostate gland diseases once a year.

2. Those who have symptoms of an enlarged prostate should consult a doctor for reassurance. Symptoms of an enlarged prostate include:

Frequent urination during the night (more than 2 times)

• Frequent urination (more often than every 2 hours)
• Incomplete urination, dribbling
• Inability to control urination, leakage issues.
• Weak urine flow
• Urine dripping, soiling hands, and feet
• Needing to strain during urination.

Examination procedures

1. General medical examination: The doctor will order tests for:

• Urine to check for infections in the urinary tract. If there is an infection, treatment is necessary.
• Blood tests to analyze kidney function (testing for creatinine or B.U.N.) to determine the extent of obstruction in the urinary tract. Blood tests for the enzyme produced in the prostate gland, called P.S.A. (Prostatic Specific Antigen). If it's found to be high in the blood (normal value: 4ng%), further consideration is needed, as it may indicate prostate cancer.

2. Examination by a urologist: If a general practitioner detects changes in the urine or blood or if the patient has symptoms of an enlarged prostate (mentioned in the previous 7 points), the patient will be referred to a urologist for further analysis. The examination will proceed in the following steps:

2.1 A digital rectal examination is performed to assess the size of the prostate gland, feel for any lumps, and evaluate the firmness and mobility of the gland.

2.2 If a lump is found in the prostate, the next step is an ultrasound examination via the rectum, along with considering a biopsy of the prostate tissue through the rectum in the area where the lump is detected, to confirm the presence of cancer.

2.3 If the instrument examination does not find a lump and the prostate gland is not firmer than usual, the doctor will recommend the patient to have their PSA levels checked in about 3 months. If the PSA results do not change significantly or increase slightly, the chance of cancer is low. The patient will receive a follow-up appointment for close monitoring. If the PSA levels have increased significantly, the patient will be advised to undergo an ultrasound and a biopsy of the prostate tissue to analyze for cancer and be closely monitored as a patient thereafter.

The urologist's examination will provide the final diagnosis to determine the type of prostate disease and the appropriate treatment method to ensure the patient's safety and improve their quality of life during their golden years.