Prostate carcinoma is second only to skin cancer as the most prevalent cancer among men in the United States. This type of tumor is most commonly discovered in men over the age of 55 and has a higher incidence among African Americans than Caucasians. In other parts of the world, prostate cancer rates vary greatly. Asian countries, such as China and Japan, report some of the lowest incidences of the disease.

The racial and national differences in the occurrence of prostate cancer have incited much speculation about factors that contribute to its development. Some research suggests that there may be a link between diets high in fat or low in certain nutrients and the disease, while other studies seem to indicate that high levels of the hormone testosterone can increase the risk of prostate carcinoma.

The prostate gland primarily functions in the production and storage of seminal fluids and is located just below the bladder. In healthy individuals, the gland is approximately the size of a walnut and encircles the urethra without unduly placing pressure on the duct. If a tumor develops in the prostate, however, the urethra becomes increasingly compressed as the growth enlarges, which can result in decreased urine flow, a need to urinate frequently, and other urinary problems. Symptoms of an abnormal growth may also include sexual dysfunction and frequent pain or stiffness in the upper thighs, hips, and lower back. Prostate tumors can develop from various types of cells, but the vast majority (approximately 95 percent) of growths are identified as adenocarcinomas, the malignancies originating in epithelial glandular tissue.

The symptoms of prostate cancer are similar to those of several other conditions, including benign prostatic hyperplasia, and, therefore, a variety of medical tests may be necessary in order for a definitive diagnosis to be made. Rectal examination and transrectal ultrasound can be used to establish that the prostate is enlarged, and a prostate-specific antigen blood test can detect prostate growths even in their earliest stages of development. In fact, both techniques can indicate the possible existence of a tumor before any symptoms appear, and are accountable for many instances of early detection. If preliminary tests suggest prostate cancer, a biopsy is carried out to confirm or refute the diagnosis.

Prostate carcinoma is generally a very slow-growing type of cancer and most typically develops late in life. Due to such characteristics, some individuals who are diagnosed with the disease prefer a watchful waiting approach, in which a doctor monitors the disease for any signs that active treatment is necessary, rather than undergoing immediate surgery or other therapy. Watchful waiting is particularly popular among very elderly individuals or those that are in poor health related to other conditions. For patients that require treatment a number of options are available, including various surgical techniques, radiotherapy, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy.

Prostate Carcinoma at 10x Magnification - Some researchers believe there is a genetic basis for prostate cancer, which is more common among individuals who have a close relative with the disease.

Prostate Carcinoma at 40x Magnification - In as few as 5 percent of prostate cancer cases, the tumor is a small cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, endometrioid cancer, or other type of cancer other than an adenocarcinoma.

Prostate Carcinoma at 10x Magnification - Oftentimes several prostate carcinoma treatment approaches are used in conjunction with one another to increase the likelihood that all malignant cells are destroyed or removed.