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Types and Treatment Methods of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the type of cancer in which the prostate gland cells start to multiply abnormally. This gland is only present in the male body, and it is responsible for the production of a fluid, which is part of the semen.

Here’s what you need to know about the types and treatment methods of prostate cancer.

Types of prostate cancer
Prostate cancer has affected millions of men living in the U.S. There is one type of prostate cancer that is more commonly diagnosed than others – adenocarcinomas. Since it is so common, the treatment options for this type of prostate cancer are studied regularly. But learning about the other types of prostate cancer is still under works.

Here’s a look at the common and rare types of prostate cancers.

Adenocarcinoma
While accounting for around 95 to 99 percent of prostate cancer cases, this is the most commonly diagnosed type. Around every 9 out of 10 adenocarcinomas are found to be acinar. The remaining are ductal. Acinar cancer develops in the acini cells and makes the prostate-specific antigen levels to rise. In ductal adenocarcinoma, the cells line the ducts and tubes present in the prostate gland.

Sarcomas
This is the less common type of prostate cancer as it accounts for less than 0.1 percent of all the prostate cancer cases. It starts in the soft tissues, which include the nerves and the muscles. Soft tissues are present everywhere in the body. Hence, this type of cancer can develop or spread in any part of the body.

Neuroendocrine tumors
Also known as carcinoids, these tumors are found in the neuroendocrine system. This system comprises the nerve and the gland cells that produce and release hormones in the blood and the nerve. These tumors do not grow rapidly, and they usually start developing inside the digestive system.

Small cell carcinoma
This is also a type of neuroendocrine cancer, but it is more common than the neuroendocrine tumors. This is a more aggressive type of cancer, and it does not result in any changes in the prostate-specific antigen levels. This type accounts for below 1 percent of prostate cancer cases. But by the time it is diagnosed, it has already metastasized and cannot be treated.

Prostate cancer treatment
Knowing about the types and treatment methods of prostate cancer is equally important for the patient as it is for the doctor.

Typically, a urologist, a radiation oncologist, and a medical oncologist are involved in treating prostate cancer. The treatment course will be decided on the type and the stage of cancer. Once these are determined, the treatment options available will include the following.