Prostatic cancer, often referred to as prostate cancer, is a malignant tumor that develops in the prostate gland of male reproductive system. The word "prostatic" is pronounced /prɒˈstætɪk/, with the stress on the second syllable. It is spelled with the letter "o" after the letter "t" because it is derived from the noun "prostate," which is spelled and pronounced the same way. The word "cancer" is pronounced /ˈkænsə(r)/ and spelled with the letter "c" and the letter "e" at the end. Early detection and treatment are essential for minimizing the adverse effects of this devastating disease.
Prostatic cancer, commonly known as prostate cancer, is a malignant growth or tumor that develops in the prostate gland. The prostate gland is a small, walnut-sized gland located below the bladder in males, which plays a vital role in reproduction by producing semen. Prostatic cancer occurs when the cells in the prostate gland undergo abnormal changes and start growing uncontrollably.
This type of cancer is primarily seen in older men, with age being a significant risk factor. Other risk factors include family history, certain genetic mutations, and hormonal imbalances. Prostatic cancer often progresses slowly, and in some cases, it may not cause any symptoms for many years.
However, as the cancer advances, symptoms may include frequent urination, difficulty in starting or stopping urination, weak urine flow, blood in the urine or semen, and pain or discomfort in the pelvis or lower back. If left untreated, the cancer can spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones and lymph nodes, resulting in more severe symptoms and complications.
Diagnosis of prostatic cancer typically involves a combination of blood tests, digital rectal exams, imaging tests (such as ultrasound or MRI scans), and prostate biopsies. Treatment options vary depending on the stage and severity of the cancer, but common approaches include surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, or chemotherapy.
Regular screenings for prostate cancer, especially in individuals at higher risk, can aid in early detection and increase the chances of successful treatment and recovery.
The word "prostatic cancer" has its roots in Latin and Greek.
The term "prostatic" comes from the Latin word "prostata", which means "one who stands before" or "protector". It is a noun form of the Latin verb "prostare", which means "to stand before" or "to protect".
The word "cancer" comes from the Latin word "cancer", which means "crab". The term was used by Hippocrates to describe tumors because the swollen blood vessels surrounding a tumor resembled the shape of a crab's legs. This term was later adopted in English to refer to all types of malignant growths.
Therefore, "prostatic cancer" refers to cancer originating in the prostate gland, a small walnut-shaped gland located in the male reproductive system.