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.