Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor arising from the prostate gland, most commonly from the glandular epithelium, leading to local invasion, urinary obstruction, and potential metastasis, especially to bones and lymph nodes.

Definition

Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor arising from the prostate gland, most commonly from the glandular epithelium, leading to local invasion, urinary obstruction, and potential metastasis, especially to bones and lymph nodes.

Epidemiology

Second most common cancer in men worldwide
Incidence increases with age, most cases diagnosed after 65 years
Higher prevalence in African-American men and men with family history
Risk factors: age, race, family history, genetic mutations (BRCA1/2, HOXB13)
Often slow-growing and asymptomatic in early stages

Etiology

Genetic predisposition: BRCA1, BRCA2, HOXB13 mutations
Hormonal factors: androgens promote growth of prostate epithelium
Environmental factors: diet high in fat, obesity
Chronic inflammation of the prostate
Age-related accumulation of genetic mutations

Pathophysiology

Malignant transformation of prostate glandular epithelial cells
Tumor growth within the prostate leading to urethral obstruction
Local invasion into seminal vesicles, bladder neck, and surrounding tissues
Lymphatic spread to pelvic lymph nodes
Hematogenous spread to bones, particularly the spine, pelvis, and ribs
Androgen-dependent growth in early stages; castration-resistant progression in advanced disease