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Prostate cancer
Is prostate cancer prone to metastasis?
Prostate cancer most commonly metastasizes to bones, with multiple bone metastases frequently observed clinically. In fact, the majority of prostate cancer patients already have multiple bone metastases by the time they are diagnosed. Therefore, bone is the most common distant organ to which prostate cancer spreads. Other distant organ metastases, such as to the lungs and liver, are less common, unless in very advanced stages of the disease. Additionally, prostate cancer commonly invades locally, spreading to nearby pelvic structures and tissues, such as the bladder and rectum, which is a common form of local invasion and spread.
Is vomiting in prostate cancer due to metastasis to the liver?
Patients with prostate cancer may experience vomiting due to the metastasis of the disease to the liver, causing damage to liver function. However, vomiting could also be caused by other reasons, such as the metastasis of prostate cancer to the peritoneum of the abdominal cavity. Clinically, this can lead to cancerous intestinal obstruction, with symptoms commonly including vomiting, abdominal pain, bloating, reduced bowel movements and gas, or cessation of bowel movements and gas. When prostate cancer metastasizes to the brain, the increased intracranial pressure can also cause symptoms such as vomiting, headache, swelling of the optic disc, hemiplegia, and aphasia. Additionally, some prostate cancer patients may experience vomiting due to toxic side effects from treatments such as chemotherapy and targeted therapy.
How is prostate cancer formed?
The causes of prostate cancer are not yet very clear. According to relevant data analysis, the occurrence of prostate cancer may be related to prostate gonorrhea, infections with viruses or chlamydia, as well as the intensity of sexual activity and the impact of hormones. On the other hand, a high-fat diet and some occupational factors are also somewhat related to the disease. Therefore, the formation of prostate cancer is the result of multifactorial influences including environmental and genetic factors, personal lifestyle habits, and dietary habits, all of which are significantly interconnected.
Can prostate cancer be cured?
Early-stage prostate cancer patients can achieve a cure through radical surgery or radical radiotherapy and other treatment methods. Therefore, whether prostate cancer can be cured is related to the stage of the patient's condition. Early-stage prostate cancer patients can be cured through radical surgery or radical radiotherapy. If the cancer is diagnosed at a late stage, with extensive pelvic metastasis or multiple bone metastases, treatment for these late-stage prostate cancer patients primarily revolves around endocrine therapy. Most patients respond well to endocrine treatment; however, for these late-stage prostate cancer patients, the treatment aims to alleviate symptoms and extend survival. Through these treatments, a cure is not achievable.
Can prostate cancer be detected by a CT scan?
If a CT scan is performed for prostate cancer, it usually can detect the tumor in the prostate, especially an enhanced CT scan will show enhancement. However, to confirm the diagnosis, it is still necessary to perform a prostate biopsy to find cancer cells. Only with the detection of cancer cells can prostate cancer be diagnosed. Additionally, a blood test for the tumor marker PSA, which generally increases, can be used in combination with these findings for a comprehensive evaluation. The definitive diagnosis of prostate cancer requires a biopsy to find cancer cells, which is the gold standard for diagnosing prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer IV is stage 4.
Prostate cancer stage IV refers to stage four prostate cancer, which is a common type of male reproductive organ tumor, particularly prevalent among elderly men. Stage four prostate cancer means that the tumor is not confined to the prostate and has already shown corresponding distant metastasis. The most common sites of metastasis for prostate cancer are the bones, followed by the lungs, liver, and others. When metastasis of prostate cancer occurs, it is considered to be at a late stage, and the primary treatments include endocrine therapy, chemotherapy, etc., with a poor prognosis.
Can prostate cancer be detected by ultrasound B?
Prostate cancer can generally be detected through ultrasound, as it reveals nodules in the prostate. By examining the internal echoes of these nodules, one can differentiate between benign and malignant prostate conditions. Thus, in foreign countries, ultrasound, specifically prostate color Doppler ultrasound examinations, are used as a screening method for prostate cancer. In China, screening methods also include traditional digital rectal examinations and generally involve blood tests for specific prostate tumor markers, namely PSA. These tests are combined with prostate ultrasound for a comprehensive assessment.
What causes prostate cancer?
The causes of prostate cancer are not yet very clear. Its occurrence may be related to gonorrhea of the prostate, or viral and chlamydial infections of the prostate, as well as the intensity of sexual activity and the influence of hormones, which may have some connection to the development of prostate cancer. Additionally, a high-fat diet and some occupational factors, such as excessive exposure to chromium, may also be related to the onset of prostate cancer.
Is chemotherapy for prostate cancer painful?
For patients with advanced prostate cancer, endocrine therapy is primarily used. Chemotherapy is generally chosen when endocrine therapy is resistant and ineffective. The side effects of chemotherapy are similar to those of other chemotherapy treatments. The first is the gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, or bloating and abdominal pain. The second is bone marrow suppression, which leads to a decrease in white blood cells and platelets. The side effects of chemotherapy vary with each patient's constitution and other factors. In most cases, with the support of medications for stomach protection, anti-nausea, and increasing white blood cells, the majority of patients can generally tolerate the treatment.
How to treat bone metastases from prostate cancer?
The treatment of bone metastases from prostate cancer can include first-line hormonal therapy. During hormonal treatment, bisphosphonates can be used in conjunction to increase bone density. Additionally, external radiation therapy can improve localized bone pain. Patients with multiple bone metastases or bone pain can undergo radionuclide therapy. Another method is the use of analgesic drug therapy, which is also a main approach to alleviate pain from bone metastases of prostate cancer.