Localised carcinoma of the prostate: a paradigm of uncertainty

The incidence and prevalence of prostate cancer is increasing. A number of aetiological factors including age, race, family history and diet have been implicated. The majority of patients present with disease which is amenable only to palliation. Digital rectal examination, serum prostate-specific a...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Postgraduate Medical Journal 1997-11, Vol.73 (865), p.691-696
Main Authors: Sandhu, S. S., Kaisary, A. V.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Biological and medical sciences
Humans
Male
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Nephrology. Urinary tract diseases
Prostate-Specific Antigen - blood
Prostatic Neoplasms - blood
Prostatic Neoplasms - diagnosis
Prostatic Neoplasms - etiology
Prostatic Neoplasms - therapy
Survival Analysis
Treatment Outcome
Tumors of the urinary system
Urinary tract. Prostate gland
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Description
Summary:The incidence and prevalence of prostate cancer is increasing. A number of aetiological factors including age, race, family history and diet have been implicated. The majority of patients present with disease which is amenable only to palliation. Digital rectal examination, serum prostate-specific antigen and transrectal ultrasound can lead to a prostatic biopsy. Transrectal ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, bone scan and a chest X-ray are used for staging. The management of localised cancer is shrouded in uncertainty. Three options exist, watchful waiting, radiotherapy, and radical total prostatectomy. The published data are inadequate for a valid comparison of these, and none has been shown to offer an advantage. Surgery, and to a lesser degree radiotherapy, have a significant morbidity. It is hoped that through better understanding our management of this disease will improve.
ISSN:0032-5473
1469-0756
DOI:10.1136/pgmj.73.865.691