Loéva 12 th PROSTATE

 

Elderly can have enlarged prostate -which is benign-  or prostate cancer--which is a malignant tumour.

From the BBC:

King Charles 'doing well' after prostate treatment

Published 17 hours ago

By Sean Coughlan

Royal correspondent

"King Charles has had his treatment for an enlarged prostate, after being admitted to hospital on Friday morning.

The King is "doing well". He is expected to spend at least one night at the hospital.

The procedure was carried out at the London Clinic private hospital.

King Charles had made his health problem public as a way of sending a message to other men to get their prostates checked.

Following the disclosure, the NHS website saw a surge in searches about enlarged prostates, an interest welcomed by doctors and charities.

The prostate is a gland that is part of the male reproductive system. 

It is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The prostate is responsible for producing a fluid that mixes with sperm and other fluids during ejaculation. The gland is also involved in the process of urination and helps to control the flow of urine. The prostate can be affected by various conditions such as inflammation, enlargement and cancer.

It can also be infected by microbs, bacteria...Prostatitis is a condition that results from an inflammation or an infection. The symptoms may include painful urination and or frequent urination at night, urgency to urinate, blood in urine and urinary retention.

The diagnosis of prostatitis involves taking a medical history, and physical examination (including a digital rectal exam performed to examine the prostate), and urine tests to look for infection; and blood tests to look for sign of infections.

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Prostate hypertrophy, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), can have several consequences. Let’s explore them:

1. Urinary Symptoms:

   • Irritative Symptoms:
     • Increased frequency of daytime urination.
     • Nocturia (frequent urination at night).
     • Urgent need to urinate, sometimes accompanied by leakage.
   • Obstructive Symptoms:
     • Difficulty initiating urination.
     • Weakened urine stream.
     • Struggling to completely empty the bladder (resulting in dribbling).
     • These symptoms arise due to the gradual difficulty of the bladder muscle to contract effectively.

2. Complications:

   • Urinary Retention: In severe cases, BPH can lead to the inability to urinate, causing discomfort and potential damage to the bladder.
   • Frequent Urinary Tract Infections: Incomplete bladder emptying increases the risk of infections.
   • Bladder Stones: Stagnant urine can lead to the formation of bladder stones.
   • Damage to Bladder Muscles: The bladder muscles may weaken over time.
   • Acute Urinary Retention: Sudden inability to urinate.
   • Kidney Problems: Chronic obstruction can affect kidney function.

3. Diagnosis:

   • Rectal Examination: A gloved finger is inserted into the rectum to assess prostate size and exclude tumors.
   • Urine Analysis: To rule out infections.
   • Antigen Test: Checks for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels.
   • Biopsy: If cancer is suspected.
   • Urodynamic Tests: Measure urine flow and detect bladder blockage.
   • Ultrasound: Determines prostate size and condition.

4. Treatment Options:

   • Medications:
     • Alpha-blockers (e.g., Alfuzosin, Tamsulosin) relax bladder neck and prostate muscles.
     • 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (e.g., Finasteride, Dutasteride) shrink the prostate.
   • Procedures:
     • Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP): Removes most of the prostate tissue.
     • Transurethral Incision of the Prostate (TUIP): Creates incisions in the prostate.
     • Laser Therapy: Uses laser equipment to remove blockages.
     • Embolization: Reduces blood supply to the prostate.
     • Open or Robotic Prostatectomy: Surgical removal of the prostate.

5. Lifestyle Considerations:

   • Diet: Consume foods rich in vitamin C (broccoli, sprouts, cauliflower, tomatoes) and zinc (oysters, crab, lamb).
   • Avoid: Processed foods, caffeine, dairy, and spicy foods.

Remember, if you experience any symptoms related to BPH, consult a doctor promptly. Early intervention can prevent complications and improve quality of life.

 

 QUIZZ

-1 It is necessary to operate on the prostate surgically to remove the obstacle of benign prostatic hyperplasia in order to facilitate flow and prevent complications upstream 

2  In the case of prostate cancer, doctors advise surgery to remove the entire prostate or to perform an irradiation of the prostate.

3 Prostate is not a necessary gland and men can have their prostate removed anytime, the sooner the better.