Listed below are the three most common conditions of the prostate gland along with some treatment choices
Prostatitis: This is usually caused by bacteria and as such it is treated with antibiotics. The type of antibiotic used will depend upon bacterial sensitivity.
Benign Hypertrophy: This is often treated with smooth muscle relaxants or medications which shrink the size of the prostate. Surgery is indicated to widen the channel (TURP) and/or to reduce the size of the prostate (TUIP).
Malignant Conditions: These are diagnosed after obtaining the clinical history, doing the necessary examinations and investigations. Treatment will depend upon the stage of the cancer, the general health of the patient and the patient's choices. In general, it is fair to say that management will include medical supervision, surgery, radiotherapy, hormonal therapy and cytotoxic therapy.
Useful Sources of Information: Surgeons, Medical doctor, Registered Nurses, Enrolled Nurses, Remote Health Care Workers, The Cancer Council Victoria: Support Service Tel. (03) 131 120 and Australian Kidney Foundation Tel. (03) 9866 3300.
Key Points:
The prostate gland is a part of the male reproductive system. It manufactures fluids which nourishes the ejaculated sperm at entry into the urethra.
Benign Hypertrophy of the prostate, inflammation due to infection and idiopathic causes and cancerous changes are the most common problems associated with the prostate gland.
Recommendation: Men over 50 years should be examined and tested for prostate annually.
Men with family history should consider annual examination from age 40 years.
Diagnosing Conditions of the Prostate: As stated earlier prostate conditions affect 90 % of men between the ages of 70 to 80 years have conditions of the prostate which need to be managed and/or treated. Appropriate diagnosis is most important for successful management of this condition. The following are some of the most frequently used diagnostic tools.
Accurate history should be taken by a Registered Nurse and/or qualified physician, surgeon.
Rectal examination to check the size of the prostate by palpation of the exterior boundary. This is usually done on the first so that an overtly malignant lesion is not missed. The urologist or general practitioner inserts a gloved finger into the rectum. He/She then palpates the prostate for a general idea of size and condition of the prostate.
Laboratory tests should include blood tests, body fluids and cell examinations (biopsies).
Ultrasound scans. These scans should be done when there is a suspicion of prostate malignancy. The urologist may order a highly specialized test with rectal ultrasound. Here, a probe is inserted into the rectum. It directs sound waves at the prostate. The echo pattern of the sound waves are picked up as an image. These images can be used to aid diagnosis.
Urinary flow studies including the assessment of residual urine should be done for proper diagnosis, management and treatment.
Cystoscopy. This procedure involves anaesthetising the patient and passing a cystoscope into the urethra to visually examine the urethra and bladder.
Intravenous Pyelography (IVP) involves the injection of a radio opaque dye into a vein (venous system). Then x-rays are taken as the dye is excreted by the kidneys. This dye makes the urine visible and helps to show up obstruction or blockages of the urinary tract.
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test. This test is specific for cancers of the prostate. However, it is a relatively new test and it's ability to conclusively separate cancer from benign prostate conditions has not been clearly established. However, to rule out cancer the physician may order this test and interpret the results with clinical information.
