Prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in the tissues of the prostate gland. The prostate gland is a walnut-shaped organ located below a man's bladder that produces fluid for semen.
Experts do not know the exact cause of prostate cancer, but they believe that factors such as age and family history may increase a man's risk for developing the disease. Prostate cancer is more common in men who are older than 50 and is the second most common cause of cancer deaths among men.
Prostate cancer usually does not cause symptoms in the early stages. When symptoms are present, they may include urinary problems such as inability to urinate or incontinence.
Prostate cancer is often curable if it is discovered early. Treatment options include watchful waiting (surveillance), medication, radiation therapy, and surgery.
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 25, 2007 |
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise