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The prostate is a gland in the male reproductive system. It is located just below the bladder and wraps around the urethra. The prostate gland measures 3-4 cm long and 3-5 cm in width. On average, the prostate gland weighs 20 grams. The prostate consists of approximately 30% muscular tissue while the remaining is glandular tissue.

Seminal vesicles are attached to the prostate and produce material that mixes with prostatic fluid to form semen. The tubes from the testicles carry sperm to the prostate, which mixes with the seminal fluid and is ejaculated during orgasm.

The prostate may increase in size as age progresses. This condition is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). More than 40% of men have an enlarged prostate by the age of 70. Enlargement of the prostate causes it to press against the urethra and weaken the flow of urine. An increase in size may indicate the condition of benign prostatic hyperplasia or a urologic condition. It need not necessarily indicate the growth of cancer cells. Benign prostatic hyperplasia does not increase the risk of prostate cancer but indicates the possibility of occurrence.

Three common diseases of the prostate are benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostates and prostate cancer. Each condition affects the prostate differently.

The male sex hormone, testosterone, plays an important part in the normal growth and function of the prostate gland. The testicles produce testosterone and is a concern for those diagnosed with hormone-dependent prostate cancer. As long as testosterone is produced, prostate cancer is very likely to grow and spread throughout the body.

The prostate has various concentric zones, known as the anterior fibromuscular stroma, peripheral zone, central zone and transition zone. A doctor is able to examine the peripheral zone by inserting a finger in the rectum. Benign prostatic hyperplasia develops in the transition zone and grows in size. The anterior fibromuscular stroma is the anchoring point of the urethra

sphincter. It does not contain any glands and hence cancer or enlargement does not usually develop there. It is essential to contact a urologist in case one experiences the symptoms to ensure early preventive care.

Prostate provides detailed information on Prostate, Prostate Cancer, Prostate Health, Prostate Cancer Treatment and more. Prostate is affiliated with Prostate Cancer Treatments.

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Hormonal therapy and chemotherapy are usually set aside for cancer which has spread beyond the prostate, or in other words, is malignant. Here we look at hormone therapy.

Prostate cancer cells require particular hormones, known as androgens, in order to grow. With hormone therapy, the goal is to get these cancerous cells barred from getting androgen hormones.

One form of hormone treatment employs drugs for preventing the body from producing testosterone. For instance, some medications block the production of natural hormones. Also there are drugs which block hormone production at localized places. LH-RH agonists, (Leuprolide and Goserelin) for one, are drugs that stop the testicles from making testosterone.

Surgery is another alternative in hormonal treatment. The procedure known as orchiectomy removes the testicles; this permanently reduces production of testosterone. The adrenal gland persists in production of the hormone, however, substances called antiandrogens are then introduced; these block the action of all remaining male hormones. This blend of surgery and antiandrogens is referred to as total androgen blockade.

Hormone treatment can control and delay growth of malignant prostate cancer. It typically slows down the cancer for a number of years. When deprived of hormonal material, cancer cell growth rates of slow down radically. However, most prostate cancers continue to grow even without the occurrence of male hormones.

Like other treatments for prostate cancer, hormone therapy may cause erectile dysfunction. Weakening of your bones is one specific dangerous side effect to be aware of. A protracted hormone treatment reduces bone density, leading to fractures. Some of the other side effects can include diarrhea, hot flashes, nausea, and breast growth.

To read about the radiation treatment option, read my article External Beam Radiation Therapy [http://www.medopedia.com/prostate-treatment-external-radiation]

I’ve also written an article about How to Tell your Family You Have Prostate Cancer [http://www.medopedia.com/prostate-cancer-support/telling-your-family] you may find helpful.

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