Prostate cancer affects 1 in 6 American men. If prostate cancer is caught in its early stages, most men will not experience any symptoms. Some men, however, may experience symptoms that might indicate the presence of prostate cancer such as frequent urination, especially at night; difficulty in starting urine flow or holding it back; a weak or interrupted flow of urine, a painful or a burning sensation; difficulty getting an erection; blood in the urine or semen; painful ejaculations; or a frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back, upper thighs, or hips.

These symptoms can also indicate the presence of other diseases or disorders and so, men who experience any of these symptoms should undergo a thorough examination to determine the cause.

DRE and PSA tests cannot diagnose prostate cancer, but they can signal a need for a biopsy in order to determine if there are prostate cancer cells. A biopsy consists of needles being inserted into the prostate in order to take small samples of the tissue, usually along with an ultrasound. A biopsy may cause some pain or discomfort, but it is a short procedure and is usually performed on an outpatient basis.

The Gleason Grading system, or Gleason Scores, accounts for five distinct patterns that prostate tumor cells go through as they change from normal cells. This scale runs from 1 to 5, 1 representing very nearly normal cells and 5 representing cells that don't look much like prostate cells at all. Normal prostate cells are constantly reproducing and dying and each new cell has the same shape and appearance as all of the other cells. But cancer cells look different and the degree to which they look different is what will determine the cancer grade.

Each man should learn as much as possible about various treatment options and make his own decision about what is best for him. This decision will probably rest on a combination of psychological and clinical factors. The most important first step in deciding on the best treatment course will be in careful consideration of different treatment options available. Any decision that is made now, especially in a case of localized prostate cancer, will reverberate for a long time to come.

You should consult all of the three types of specialists: a urologist, a medical oncologist, and a radiation oncologist. They will offer the most comprehensive advice on available treatments and outcomes.