Clinical Management

Clinical Management

Examine the clinical management of patients with prostate cancer

Prostate cancer affects the prostate glands which plays a function of producing semen and controls urine production in men. Prostrate, is an exocrine gland which produces fluids to be used outside the body of an individual. Proteins excreted by the prostate which is known as prostate-specific antigen helps the semen to remain in liquid form. Excessive production of the protein in the blood is one of the main signs that an individual has prostate cancer. Prostate cancer starts with the glandular cells whereby small changes occur in shape and size of prostate gland cells. It makes it challenging to realize signs and symptoms until the condition develops in an adverse state. It mostly affects men above fifty years old and can be treated if diagnosed early enough before metastasis. It is a hazardous condition and leads to death if not timely offered medical attention.

A doctor physically examines a patient and inquires about the medical history if a case of prostate cancer is sensed. If the blood test of an individual shows abnormally high prostate-specific antigen levels further tests are done on the patient to be sure if the condition infects him. New tests done may include digital rectal examination where medical practitioners physically for abnormalities on the prostate, biomarker checking of blood, urine and other body tissues of an individual for different chemicals only found in individuals with cancer. Further tests are carried out to make sure of the diagnosis if the two experiments show abnormal results and do not give precise information about the state of the patient. Treatment procedures are therefore planned after a definite confirmation that an individual has cancer and requires medication.

Management of prostate cancer condition is different depending on the stage of the illness. The early stage is dealt with by first watchful waiting and checking PSA blood levels regularly. No action is taken because of the risk of side effects of medication administered. Radical prostatectomy procedure is carried out where the prostate is removed after the official confirmation of prostate cancer. If the condition is discovered in the advanced stage, chemotherapy is administered which helps kill cancer cells in the body. Androgen suppression therapy is also carried out to slow down and even stop the growth of cancer cells by reducing androgen levels.

Examine the clinical management of patients with prostate cancer