He Prostate cancer It consists of the malignant transformation of the glandular cells that make up this organ, indicates the urologist Juan Pablo Lezana.
Both Lezana and the general practitioner Stuardo Batres agree that it is the most frequent type of cancer in men from the age of 50. It is a condition that takes place in the prostate gland, according to specialists.
Lezana points out that, in its initial stages, this type of cancer is asymptomatic and can be confused with a more common condition called Benign prostate hyperplasiawhich manifests with urinary problems.
In its advanced phase, cancer can present symptoms. However, it is essential to make an adequate diagnosis to confirm or rule out the presence of the disease. According to Batres, in these stages the patient may experience pain when urinating, changes in urination, difficulty urinating, among other signs.
How to prevent prostate cancer?
Specialists emphasize that early diagnosis is fundamental. Batres argue that, if detected in time, the prognosis can be favorable in most cases.
For this reason, both experts underline the importance of performing annual medical checks. According to Lezana, one of the available tests is the measurement of the specific prostate antigen (APE), which must be subsequently evaluated by the treating doctor.
Batres adds that, in addition to the aforementioned test, prostate ultrasound and other studies can be performed. As for age, these evaluations must be carried out annually between 45 and 50 years.
In this regard, Lezana explains that the hereditary factor is decisive, since men with family history of prostate cancer in the first or second degree must initiate the evidence at 45 years; If there are two or more cases in the family, they must start at 40.
The urologist adds that there is also a risk factor linked to the ethnic origin, since Afro -descendant men have a greater probability of suffering from the disease. This group must start checks at 45. “The rest of the men can begin exams at 50,” he says.
Other risk factors for prostate cancer
Metabolic syndrome can also increase the risk of developing prostate cancer. The prevention of this condition implies a balanced diet that includes foods with high nutritional value, especially those rich in vitamins C and Eas well as monounsaturated fats.
However, although good food can help reduce risk, it is not a definitive measure.
Treatment for prostate cancer
Among the therapeutic options, the most common is radical prostatectomywhich consists of the removal of the prostate. According to specialists, minimal invasion surgery represents one of the most recent techniques. Lezana highlights that the ideal treatment is robotic surgery, although it is currently not available in Guatemala.
Other alternatives include Conventional, laparoscopic and radiotherapy surgeryas well as the possibility of combining them, depending on the case.
For its part, Batres underlines the importance of detecting the disease in time, in order to avoid complications such as metastasis to other organs and effects that compromise the patient’s life.