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What is the treatment of prostate cancer 4 degree and the prognosis for life?

Most often prostate cancer of 4 degrees occurs in men aged over 60 years. The early stage of the disease is difficult to diagnose because patients do not experience significant discomfort and seek medical attention too late. And only when it starts the process of formation of metastasis (and this is happening on 3 and 4 stage), patients go to the doctor.

The main diagnostic feature of the disease is the elevated level of acid phosphatase in the blood. The resulting tumor has the appearance of adenocarcinoma (glandular cancer). The main cause is the imbalance of hormones in the male body. The disease is 4 degrees poses a serious threat to life and prognosis seldom exceeds 5 years.

Symptoms of late stages of tumor

Most of the symptoms don't conclusively diagnose it. They are very similar to those for prostate cancer. Prostate cancer 4 degrees leads to a number of disorders of the urinary system:

  • Voiding. Pain, obstruction of urine output, accumulation of its bladder. Sometimes incontinence.
  • Hematuria – the appearance of blood in the urine.
  • The appearance of blood in the stool, disorders of defecation.
  • Renal failure.
  • The metastases in pelvic bones, ribs, lymph nodes, liver, lungs.
  • Sharp pain in the perineum.
  • Swelling of the feet, genitals, perineum.
  • Cachexia (severe weight loss).

To clarify the diagnosis is carried out digital examination of the prostate, and the detection of tumors – histological study. However, only the strong growth of the cancer, the appearance of its tuberosity, and seals can be reliable signs of a malignant tumor.

Classification and diagnosis

Prostate cancer 4 degrees klassificeret depending on the direction of germination of tumor cells:

  1. T4A – tumor invades the direction of the bladder and rectum.
  2. Т4б – germination occurs through the pelvis and muscles of the anus.

If there is metastasis to bone, can be observed:

  • acute pain,
  • the slow coalescence of fractures
  • compression fractures of the spine,
  • gait disturbance (if damaged bones of the pelvis),
  • of metabolic disorders,
  • disturbances of consciousness.

The main methods used for the diagnosis of malignant tumors, 4th class are:

  1. sonography or transrectal sonography,
  2. blood tests for the presence of prostate antigen,
  3. manual palpation.

Neglected tumors: what are the prospects?

If the initial stage is pretty easy to deal with, then running it form always become a problem for the attending physician.It should also be understood that surgical treatment gives positive results only in the early stages of tumor development of the prostate gland, has not yet begun metastasis.

The fourth stage of cancer usually requires treatment with hormone therapy, remote irradiation of the prostate and located in the area of lymph node. Also is pharmacological or surgical castration, perhaps the use of chemotherapy if the prostate cancer has not yet moved to the active metastasis (in the early stages of formation of metastasis).

Real forecast of life expectancy in this case is done only on the basis of a complete examination of the patient.

Life expectancy of patients diagnosed with a prostate tumor 4 tbsp, depends on how aggressive it behaves, and successfully selected treatment. Statistics of the German clinics claims that 80-90% of cases, effective treatment allows patients to overcome the barrier of the five-year survival rate.

Life expectancy of patients with tumor grade 4. can increase the application of pinpoint irradiation of the affected organs, allowing to avoid harmful effects on healthy tissue. The simultaneous use of medical treatment with hormones, treated with new methods and drugs ensure that the duration of life of patients with a tumor of 4 degrees is increased to 10 years or more.

The importance of prevention

It is important that patients understand that their life expectancy depends on the interest in their own health. Forecast with 4 degree of tumor development is very disappointing. Treatment often allows you to slow down tumor development only if it is in the early stages of metastasis. Regular examinations with a specialist that allows you to start the treatment of prostate cancer at an early stage, to avoid development of this disease.