About the Author
Dr. Kiran Paranjape
A Professional Orthopedic Surgeon.
The prostate gland is one of the glands required for reproduction. It is present only in males. It is situated at the neck of the urinary bladder surrounding the urethra i.e. the tube through which the urine stored in urinary bladder is excreted out. The prostate secretes prostatic fluid. This fluid acts as a nutritional fluid to the sperms produced in testicles and stored in seminal vesicles. During sexual intercourse, the muscles surrounding the prostate contract and the prostatic fluid with the sperms stored in seminal vesicles is ejaculated out through urethra.
As the prostate is a gland, the cancer of the prostatic tissue is essentially an adenocarcinoma. It starts in the prostatic tissue and if not detected early may spread to urinary bladder in front or rectum behind.
Causes of Prostate Cancer
Diet: A diet rich in fats of animal origin increases the risk while a diet rich in fruits and vegetables especially tomato reduces the risk of prostate cancer.
Genetic: A defective genetic makeup in a man makes him prone to this type of cancer. This particular gene codes for an enzyme which protects against the environmental agents of cancer. This enzyme is not produced because of this genetic defect.
Inheritance: A male member in previous generations who has had prostate cancer increases a man's chances of getting prostate cancer. Hereditary prostate cancer genes (HPC) type I, II and X are the three genes currently under investigation regarding this.
Age: Men more than 50 years of age are prone to prostate cancer. Advancing age produces aberrant biochemical reactions that trigger abnormal cell growth.
Testosterone: This male hormone supports the growth of prostate. The prostatic tissue has specific receptors for this hormone. When the molecules of testosterone get attached to them, they trigger cell growth.
Check my next article on "Signs and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer".
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for the general public awareness only. The patient is advised to take proper medical opinion before undergoing any treatment mentioned herein. The author and publisher are not responsible for any consequences thereof.
Published by Dr. Kiran Paranjape on October 30, 2005 11:52 PM
