Prostate Information
Cell Types
The prostate is made up of several different cell types
but the two main types are Stromal and Epithelial. Stromal
cells make up the muscle and connective tissue and Epithelial
cells make up the glandular section of the prostate. Cancer
of the prostate always develops from the Epithelial cells,
but stromal cells do characterize the behavior of the cancer
once it is introduced into the gland.
The complex interactions between these two cell types are
believed to greatly influence the development of all prostatic
diseases, including Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH. It
is also believed that the interaction of testosterone with
the prostate cells enhances the effects of prostatic disease.
Aging:
As men age, it is possible for their prostate to increase
in size. By age 70, over 40% of men will have an enlargement
of the prostate. If the prostate becomes large enough it will
press against the urethra, decreasing the flow of urine, making
it weaker and slower. This is the condition known as Benign
Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is not cancer and it has
not been known to increase a man's risk of cancer, but it
is possible for men to have both BPH and prostate cancer at
the same time.
Detection:
Detecting prostate abnormalities does take several years
of conclusive evidence, so the best way to prevent prostatic
disease is for men to receive regular checkups once they reach
their 50’s. Early detection efforts make a real difference
in treating men with prostate disease.
Common Ailments:
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