History Of The Prostate Gland Essay, Research Paper
HISTORY OF THE PROSTATE GLAND
The prostate is a gland that is located just underneath the
bladder. It surrounds the urethra through which a man
urinates. The prostate gland is therefore vital to proper
bladder control and urine flow-rate. The prostate is also
essential for normal sexual function. It is the gland of
ejaculation, supplying 95% of the seminal fluid and the
power to push it through the urethra and out of the penis.
The normal prostate in an adult man is about the size of a
walnut. Its size often increases over time, however,
particulary once a man gets beyond age 40. Because the
urethra runs right through the middle of it, a growth spurt
of the prostate will squeeze the urethra and begin to choke
off the urinary flow. This can effect the ablility to
urinate and perform sexually.
SYMPTOMS OF PROSTATE CANCER
Prostate cancer occurs when some of the cells that
make up the prostate gland escape from the normal controls
on their growth and start to divide, grow and spread in an
uncontolled manner. At first the growth of the cancer
occurs very slowly and is usually limited within the
prostate gland. Later on in the course of the illness, the
prostate gland cells can spread around the body,
particulary to the bones where they can paues pain and
disability. Estimates show that the cancer may have been
growing in some men for up to 10 yearsbefore it causes
symptoms and is diagnosed. Some men develop symptoms
whereas others do not. In those who that do, the following
symptoms are commonly found:
BATHROOM TROUBLES:
-Need to urinate frequently, especially at night
-Sudden, incontrolable urges to urinate
-Weak or interrupted urine flow
-A burning sensation or pain when urinating
-Blood in urine
-Continuing pain in lower back, pelvis, or upper thighs
BEDROOM TROUBLES:
-Reduced sexual ability
-Painful orgasm
-Impotence-
-Discomfort during intercourse
There appears to be several forms of prostate
cancer. Some men survive for many years with the disease
and never develop symptoms. These men may be oblivious to
the fact that they have a slow growing from prostate cancer
and may eventually die of other causes. However, other
prostate cancers can be more aggressive and can grow
quickly.
Prevention and Treatment
More and more doctors are coming to believe that an
enlarged prostate can be treated or deterred by feeding the
body the nutrients it lacks.
Dr. James Balch, specialist in urology, says: The pain and
discomfert of most prostate disorders could be avoided with
proper nutritional adjuncts. Even those suffering from
enlarged prostates respond very quickly to nutritional
therapies.
One way to treat prostate cancer is to have
surgery. Johnathon Waxman, a cancer specialist from
Hammersmith Hospital, in London, said, that 70% of patients
become impontent after surgery, and 40% become incontinent
which means that they cannot control their urination.
Some other people that have prostate cancer
recommend the Swedish approach to treatment, which is
watchful waiting. This approach, as the name would
suggest, means keeping a close eye on any signs of the
disease progressing, but holding off on extreme treatment,
such as drugs, surgery, and chemotherapy, unless absolutely
necessary.