The prostate is a small gland that is part of the male reproductive system. It is located just below the bladder in front of the rectum. It encircles the top portion of the urethra, the tube that drains the urine from the bladder. The prostate gland is approximately the size of a walnut and is partly glandular and partly muscular.
Function
The primary function of the prostate gland is to produce and store a slightly alkaline substance that is part of the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm. The fluid produced by the prostate gland makes up approximately 10 to 30 percent of the entire volume of seminal fluid. The prostate gland also performs a secondary function in the male reproductive system. It contains smooth muscles that aid in the expulsion of semen during ejaculation.
Considerations
Most men, as they grow older, have to deal with enlargement of the prostate. The gland is normally about the size of a pea at birth and grows to the size of a walnut by young adulthood. An enlarged prostate is the result of a second growth period that usually occurs around the late 40s. During this period, the cells in the center of the gland start to reproduce more rapidly, and the prostate becomes enlarged. The enlarged gland often constricts the urethra and may partially block the flow of urine.
Effects
Cancer of the prostate gland is very common. Approximately one in six men in the United States are affected by prostate cancer at some point in life. Most types of prostate cancer grow slowly and stay confined to the prostate gland for a long period of time. These types require little, if any, treatment. Other types of prostate cancer spread quickly and are very aggressive.
Warning
The key to surviving prostate cancer is early detection and treatment. Significant symptoms are usually not present during the cancer's early stages. And when symptoms do appear, they are often the same symptoms shared by benign conditions such as an enlarged prostate or an infection in the prostate. Routine screening to detect the cancer early is essential. Otherwise, the disease can spread and advance to later stages before any symptoms are present.
Misconceptions
Many people believe that a diagnosis of prostate cancer is much worse than it actually is. There was a time when it was considered to be much more serious than it is today. Treatment options have vastly improved. The cancer has over a 90 percent cure rate when detected and treated early.
Tags: prostate gland, prostate cancer, cancer early, enlarged prostate, male reproductive, male reproductive system