Former President Joe Biden is struggling with “aggressive” prostate cancer after doctors found a “small knot” in his prostate during a routine medical exam.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers diagnosed in men, with about 310,000 new cases and 35,000 deaths occurring in the US each year.
“Prostate cancer is very treatable when it is detected early,” Dr. Thomas Jang, Head of Urological Oncology at the Rutgers and RwjBarnabas Health Cancer Institute for Post.
“Information, undergoing routine controls and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are essential steps in maintaining men’s health.”
The prostate gland is an essential part of the male reproductive system, producing juice that make up sperm. The gland surrounds the urethra, a tube that carries hunger and sperm from the body.
Experts generally recommend that men at average risk start taking prostate exams around the age of 55. Those with a family history of prostate cancer may need to start an examination earlier.
A standard prostate examination typically includes a digital rectum exam and a test that measures the specific prostate antigen (PSA) level in the blood.
The American Urological Association and other organizations generally advise against routine examination of men over 70 because the prostate gland naturally expands with age, potentially increasing the SAP level and the risk of false and overrated positions.
Biden, 82, had experienced “increased urinary symptoms”, according to his office.
This is one of the main signs of prostate cancer – here are three more to see.
Urinary Changes
People with prostate cancer at an early stage may not notice anything wrong. Symptoms usually appear as the tumor grows or cancer spreads.
Prostate tumors can prevent the urethra or cause prostate enlargement, leading to difficulty starting or stopping urinating, frequent urination or a weak flow.
An enlarged prostate can also weaken the bladder muscles and prevent the bladder gap completely.
Follow the latest in the diagnosis of Joe Biden’s prostate cancer:
Pain and discomfort
Prostate cancer can cause pain or burning during urination or spill due to urethra barriers.
Cancer that has spread to the bone, as in the case of biden, can manifest as a dull pain or knife sensation.
An enlarged prostate can sometimes cause pain while sitting for a long time.
Dysfunction
In advanced stages, the tumor can suppress or invade the nerves and blood vessels essential for the achievement and maintenance of erections.
Eating dysfunction is also a common side effect of prostate cancer surgery because nerves are often damaged or cut.
Sperm
A prostate tumor can irritate the urethra, causing small blood vessels to explode. Patients may notice blood in their urine or sperm.
What is a result of Gleason?
Biden’s cancer was given a score of Gleason 9.
A result of Gleason is calculated by examining the two most widespread patterns of cancer cells in a prostate biopsy.
Each model is assigned a grade from 3 to 5 based on its level of disorganization and aggressiveness. Both numbers are added together, resulting in a result of Gleason from 6 to 10.
A result of Gleason of 9 means that cancer consists almost entirely of very abnormal, aggressive cells. It is considered at high risk and often requires a combination of treatments to effectively manage.
Treatment options
Treatment of prostate cancer depends on the stage of the disease as well as the overall health of the patient.
The early stages may include surveillance without treatment. When the intervention is needed, the usual options include surgery – such as a radical prostatectomy to remove the prostate gland – radiation therapy and hormone therapy to reduce testosterone levels that promote cancer growth.
For advanced prostate cancer, hormone therapy in combination with other treatments is generally the standard of care.
“Over the past decade, there have been significant technological advances in surgery, radiation therapy and systemic treatments for the treatment of men with prostate cancers at an early and advanced stage,” Jang said. “Early detection is the key to providing a favorable outcome.”
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