Prostate

The prostate is a gland that is part of male mammalian sex organs. Its main function is to secrete and store a clear, slightly basic fluid that is part of semen. The prostate differs considerably between species anatomically, chemically and physiologically. A healthy human prostate is slightly larger than a walnut. It surrounds the urethra just below the urinary bladder. It is located in front of the rectum and part of it can be felt during a rectal exam.

Disorders of the prostate

Inflammation of the prostate gland is known as prostatitis. If the prostate grows too large it may constrict the urethra and impede the flow of urine, making urination difficult and painful and in extreme cases completely impossible. Prostatitis is treated with antibiotics, prostate massage or surgery.

Related Topics:
Inflammation - Prostatitis - Urination - Antibiotics - Prostate massage - Surgery

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In older men, the prostate often enlarges to the point where urination becomes difficult. This is known as benign prostatic hyperplasia and can be treated with medication or with surgery that removes part of the prostate. The surgery most often used in such cases is called transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP or TUR). In TURP, an instrument is inserted through the urethra to remove prostate tissue that is pressing against the upper part of the urethra and restricting the flow of urine.

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Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting elderly men in developed countries and a major cause of death. Regular rectal exams are recommended for elderly men to detect prostate cancer early. There is also a blood test that measures the concentration of a protein, Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA), which is normally very low. Raised test results may be an indicator of disorder within the prostate, either prostatitis, benign hyperplasia or prostate cancer. The PSA test cannot distinguish between them, but can lead a doctor to investigate further. Prostate cancer is treated with hormone manipulation (prevention of production of testosterone), radiation and/or surgery.

Related Topics:
Prostate cancer - Cancers - Developed countries - Death - Rectal exams - Blood test - Protein - Radiation

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