Eesnäärmevähk

Eesnäärmevähk, also known as prostate cancer, is a common type of cancer that affects the prostate gland, a small gland in men that produces seminal fluid. It is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers in men worldwide.

The exact cause of prostate cancer is not fully understood, but several risk factors are known to increase a man's likelihood of developing it. These include increasing age, with the risk rising significantly after the age of 50, and family history, as having a father or brother with prostate cancer increases the risk. Certain ethnicities also have a higher incidence. Lifestyle factors like obesity and diet have also been investigated, although their direct link is less definitive than age and genetics.

In its early stages, prostate cancer often has no symptoms. As the cancer grows, symptoms can include difficulty urinating, a weak or interrupted urine flow, frequent urination, pain or burning during urination, blood in the urine or semen, or pain in the back, hips, or pelvis. However, these symptoms can also be caused by other non-cancerous conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Diagnosis typically involves a digital rectal exam (DRE) and a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. If these suggest potential cancer, a biopsy is usually performed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the aggressiveness of the cancer. Treatment options vary depending on the stage and grade of the cancer, as well as the patient's overall health and preferences. They can include active surveillance, surgery to remove the prostate (prostatectomy), radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Early detection and appropriate treatment are key to managing prostate cancer effectively.