What is prostate cancer?
The prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system and is a walnut-sized gland located below the bladder. The prostate surrounds the urethra like a donut, and diseases of the prostate such as cancer, inflammation (prostatitis) and enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hypertrophy) often impact urination. The prostate gland contributes to the fluid that forms the semen and is necessary for reproductive health and fertility.
Cells, including cancerous cells, contain instructions to grow and replicate. Prostate cancer occurs when abnormal cancerous (malignant) cells develop in the prostate because of “bad instructions.” The cancer cells grow uncontrollably and replicate with new characteristics. The most concerning prostate cancer cells can spread via the blood or lymph nodes to other organs causing damage that produces significant symptoms. Ideally, early screening and diagnosis can reduce the likelihood of prostate cancer spreading.
Types of prostate cancer
Prostate cancer can be classified into several types based upon the initial biopsy and its appearance with microscopic evaluation. Over 95% of prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas and derived from the glandular cells of the prostate.
There are a few less common types of prostate cancers. These account for less than 5% of all diagnoses. Additional prostate cancers include:
- Small cell carcinoma
- Neuroendocrine carcinoma
- Transitional carcinoma
- Sarcoma
A biopsy is important as the treatments for the different pathological types are unique.
Prostate care at The James
At the OSUCCC – James, our subspecialists are prostate cancer experts who focus solely on prostate cancer and who reach across medical disciplines including medical oncologists, surgeons (urologists), radiation therapists, pharmacists and more. This approach helps us design the absolute best treatment plan for you.
In fact, our unique Multidisciplinary Prostate Cancer Clinic offers all those who are newly diagnosed with prostate cancer with an on-site, thorough evaluation and treatment-options review. Experts from various disciplines will see you all on the same day, so that you and your team can decide the best personalized treatment option for you, together.
Related resources
Prostate Cancer Symptoms and Causes
Prostate Cancer Screening and Diagnosis
Prostate Cancer Treatment
Prostate Cancer Treatment Team