Like every other organ in the body, the prostate gland also needs to be functioning well, for good health and well-being. The prostate gland is a male reproductive organ situated deep inside the groin, between the rectum and the base of the penis. It is a tiny, rubbery gland approximately the size of a ping-pong ball, and weighs about 1 ounce (30 grams).
The prostate gland can be felt by inserting a finger into the rectum and pressing it towards the front of the body. The prostate serves as an outlet for the urethra, which excretes urine and semen from the body. The prostate gland is essential for reproduction because it provides seminal fluid (semen), which combines with sperm from the testicles.
Functions of the prostate gland
The prostate gland is important for male fertility, and contributes to the following functions:
· Seminal fluid production
· Nourishment and transportation of seminal fluid
· Urethral closure during ejaculation
· Regulation of male sex hormones
Types of prostate diseases
The common diseases that may affect the prostate gland include:
Prostatitis: It is an inflammation of the prostate gland and causes pain and swelling. It is the most common prostate disease in those under 50 years of age. It may be chronic prostatitis, acute bacterial prostatitis, chronic bacterial prostatitis, and asymptomatic prostatitis.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): It is a non-cancerous condition of the prostate often called an enlarged prostate. With ageing, the prostate gland begins to enlarge. An enlarged prostate is more common in elderly persons than in people under the age of 40. The enlarged prostate gland, which covers the top of the urethra builds pressure on the base of the bladder. As a result of an enlarged prostate, flow of urine may become obstructed (blocked).
Prostate cancer: People over the age of 50 may develop prostate cancer. Prostate cancer occurs when an uncontrolled growth of normal prostate cells occurs.
Symptoms of prostate diseases
Prostate diseases may or may not have symptoms in their early stages. Depending on the type of disease condition, symptoms may vary. Common symptoms include:
· Difficulty urinating
· Urge to urinate even when the bladder is empty
· Frequent urination, especially at night
· A low or intermittent stream of urine
· Feeling of incomplete emptying when urinating
· Pain or burning sensation while urination
· Chills and fever
· Inability to urinate
· Interrupted flow of urine (dribbling)
· Painful ejaculation
· Blood in urine or semen
· Stiffness or pain in the back, hips, or upper thighs.
How to diagnose prostate diseases?
Diseases of the prostate gland can be diagnosed by several tests, including:
Digital rectal examination (DRE): A gloved finger is inserted into the rectum to measure the size of prostate and to look for any abnormal lumps and nodules in the prostate.
Blood and urine test: These tests may help detect infection.
Prostate biopsy: A small sample of the prostate tissue can be extracted using a needle and investigated to diagnose or confirm cancerous cells in the prostate gland.
Prostate ultrasound: It captures images of the urinary tract and prostate.
PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test: It measures the level of Prostate-specific antigen in your blood. PSA is a protein present in the prostate gland produced by both normal cells and cancerous cells of the prostate. Normally the level of PSA is low in the blood which indicates a healthy prostate. Having a high PSA level Is indicative of diseases of the prostate, and needs to be investigated further.
The prostate-specific antigen can be measured by the following parameters:
Percent free PSA
The blood contains two different types of PSA. While one type is unattached and freely circulates (Free PSA), the other is attached to blood proteins (Total PSA). The percentage of free PSA (FPSA), which is measured as a percentage of total PSA, is lower in men with prostate cancer than in men without the disease.
PSA velocity
This test determines how quickly the PSA level increases over time. Men with prostate cancer have a faster increase in PSA levels than men without the disease, whose levels typically increases gradually as they age.
PSA Density
A test called PSA density (PSAD) is used to take into consideration that men with larger prostates tend to have higher PSA values. A patient is more likely to get prostate cancer if their PSAD is higher.
PSA Normal Range:
PSA range in Nanograms per mille litre
|
Age |
Normal Range of PSA (ng/ml) |
|
40-49 years
|
0-2.5 |
|
50-59 years |
0-3.5 |
|
60- 69 years |
0-4.5 |
|
70+ years |
0-6.5 |
Free Prostate-Specific Antigen
|
%Free PSA |
Probability of Cancer |
|
25% |
8% |
|
20-25% |
16% |
|
15-20% |
20% |
|
10-15% |
28% |
|
0-10% |
56% |
A PSA test is used as a screening tool for prostate cancer early detection and monitoring. A higher PSA level may indicate one of the following prostate conditions:
· Infection or inflammation of the prostate
· Enlarged benign prostate hyperplasia
· Prostate cancer
Treatment for prostate diseases
Prostatitis: Treatment for prostatitis may include antibiotics, and symptomatic treatment depending on the type of prostatitis.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia BPH): Treatment for BPH includes medications to relax the smooth muscle of the gland or to reduce the size of the prostate.
Prostate cancer: Treatment for prostate cancer is individualised to the patient based on the type of cancer and medical history. Radiation therapy, ablative therapies, such as high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU), hormonal therapy (androgen deprivation therapy), chemotherapy, and active surveillance surgery, such as prostatectomy (removal of the prostate) are the available treatment options for prostate cancer.
Prostate health is important for overall health and well-being. Any signs and symptoms suggestive of prostate problems should not be ignored and medical help should be sought. It is important for elderly males to undergo regular prostate screening to ascertain prostate health and prevent and manage any probable prostate problems.
