Types of prostate cancer

Acinar adenocarcinoma begins in the usual gland cells of the prostate. Ductal adenocarcinoma is less common and has a different microscopic pattern. Rare neuroendocrine or small-cell cancers behave differently and may not be reflected by PSA in the same way. The pathology report also includes grade information, while scans and examination help assess local growth or spread.

Urinary symptoms such as Difficulty Passing Urine can have several causes and do not by themselves identify a cancer type. Doctors interpret symptoms alongside examination, PSA results, biopsy findings and imaging.

Treatment may involve monitoring, surgery, radiotherapy or medicines that affect cancer growth. Brachytherapy places radiation inside or close to the prostate; Radiotherapy treats a planned area from outside the body. For cancer that has spread, Targeted Radioisotope Therapy or Bone-Strengthening Therapy may be considered in selected situations. Prostate Removal Surgery and Robotic Cancer Surgery are separate concepts: robotic surgery describes an operative method, not a cancer subtype.

Arrange a clinical review for persistent urinary difficulty, blood in urine or semen, pelvic pain, or new bone pain. Seek urgent help if you cannot pass urine, have severe back pain with leg weakness or numbness, or lose control of your bladder or bowel. These symptoms need prompt assessment regardless of the eventual diagnosis.

Ask which cell type and grade the biopsy shows, what the stage is, whether the cancer is confined to the prostate, and how PSA will be followed. Ask about the balance of urinary, bowel and sexual side effects for each option and whether a specialist review is useful.