Editorial Team
... Read More
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookie Policy.
Written By: Editorial Team | Published : May 7, 2014 12:24 PM IST
Low levels of testosterone can be associated with aggressive prostate cancer and indicate worsening of the disease in men who are afflicted by it, a significant study has said. 'These results suggest low levels of testosterone are associated with more aggressive prostate cancer,' said Ignacio San Francisco from Pontifical Catholic University of Chile.
'This contradicts long-held beliefs that high testosterone is risky for prostate cancer, and low testosterone is protective,' San Francisco added. The findings could help physicians identify patients with low-risk prostate cancer who should receive aggressive anti-cancer treatment. For the study, the researchers monitored 154 men with low-risk prostate cancer for 38 months. (Read: Prostate cancer what you ought to know)
Low levels of free testosterone were significantly linked with an increased risk of developing more aggressive disease, the findings of the research showed. They found no significant association with total testosterone concentrations, although there was a general trend towards increased risk with lower levels.
Free testosterone comprises one to two per cent of total testosterone and is considered a useful surrogate for the biologically active portion of circulating testosterone. (Read: Do you know these 5 simple ways to prevent prostate cancer?)
The study appeared in the journal BJU International.
What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?
It is important to note that there are no warning signs of early prostate cancer. Once a tumor causes the prostate gland to swell, or once cancer spreads beyond the prostate, the following symptoms may happen:
Therefore it is essential that a person who notices these symptoms immediately visit a doctor. The important fact here is to tell the doctor about your concern for prostate cancer. He/she will then advice the right course of diagnosis and treatment.
The good news is that prostate cancer is a relatively slow-growing cancer, and the survival rate is high.
How is it diagnosed?
Prostate cancer is most often detected in the early stages with a combination of clinical exam (rectal exam) and Serum PSA (Prostate specific antigen a tumor marker that is useful in this disease).
If your doctor suspects that your have the disease you may need to undergo further confirmatory tests like a biopsy of the prostate. This is a fairly painless procedure done usually by an urologist, and involves taking pieces from the prostate which will be examined under the microscope.
In case the diagnosis is confirmed a MRI scanof the pelvic area may be performed to look at the extent of disease. A chest X ray, ultrasound of the abdomen and bone scan may be ordered in case your doctor suspects that the disease might have spread to other organs as well. (Read: Prostate cancer tips to help you lower your level of risk)
With inputs from IANS
For more articles on prostate cancer, visit our prostate cancer section. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for all the latest updates! For daily free health tips, sign up for our newsletter. And to join discussions on health topics of your choice, visit our forum.
