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CARCINOMA OF PROSTATE
Carcinoma of the prostate is the common malignant condition in
men over the age of 65 years. About 20% of cases of prostatic
obstruction prove to be due to carcinoma. It is less common in
Japanese while its incidence is higher and its behavior is more
aggressive in American Negroes.
Carcinoma of prostate, which is an adeno-carcinoma, starts on
the outer zone glands of a normal or hypertrophied prostate and
may occur in the false capsule deliberately left behind after
prostatectomy for benign hypertrophy. So prostatectomy for
benign hypertrophy of gland confers little protection from the
subsequent development of carcinoma.
Histological
appearance
Prostate is a glandular structure consisting of ducts and acini,
there for histological pattern is one of an adeno-carcinoma. A
layer of myoepithelial cells surrounds the prostate glands. The
first change associated with carcinoma is the loss of this layer
with the glands appearing in confluence. As the cell type
becomes less differentiated more solid sheets of carcinoma cells
are seen.
Local spread
A growth commencing in the posterior zone of the gland is
prevented from extending backwards by the strong tunica of
Denovilliers. Consequently it tends to grow up wards to involve
the seminal vesicle. Further upwards extension obstructs the
lower end of one or both ureters— the latter terminating in
anuria. Carcinoma commencing in a lateral lobe involves the
prostatic urethra early.
In advanced cases the base of the bladder is invaded. The rectum
may become stenosed by growth infiltrating round it. But direct
involvement is very late.
Spread by blood stream
Occurs particularly to bones .The Prostate is the most common
site of origin for skeletal metastasis (being followed in turn
by the breasts, the kidney, the bronchial tree and the thyroid
gland). The bones most frequently involved are pelvic bones and
the lower lumbar vertebrae. Femoral head, rib cage and skull are
other favoured sites. The frequent proximity of skeletal
metastases to the primary growth has been attributed to reversed
flow from the vesical venous plexus to the emissary vein of the
pelvic bone during coughing, sneezing etc. Bony metastases
appear in x-ray as sclerotic areas.
Lymphatic
spread
Through the lymphatic vessels passing along the sides of the
rectum to the lymph nodes along the internal iliac vein which
lies in the hollow of the sacrum.
Through lymphatic which pass over the seminal vesicles and
follow the vas deference for a short distance to drain in to
external illiac node.
From both this situation the retroperitoneal lymph node, later
the mediastinal lymph node and occasionally the supraclavicular
lymph node become affected.
CLINICAL FEATURES:
Carcinoma prostate usually occurs in older man. Symptoms are
very similar to benign hypertrophy of prostate. (Frequency,
urgency and difficulty of micturition.) But the main difference
is that the history is quit short and they get worse rapidly.
Incontinence a short history of up to 6 month and pain on
micturition are suggestive features of carcinoma in a patient
with history of prostatism.
According to
the progression of disease; it can be classified in to 5 types.
Type 1: Discovered only on histological examination of
tissue removed at prostatectomy.
Type 2: Rectal findings of a hard nodule or extension outside
the capsule, investigated by perineal biopsy.
Type 3: The primary may be tiny and occult, the patient
presenting with the rheumatism or arthritis with blood
acidphosphatase level often very high. Urinary symptoms are
absent or slight. The prostate specific antigen (PSA) is high.
Type 4: Pain in the back or sciatica is the main symptoms.
Bilateral sciatica in an elderly man is most often due to
metastases in the spine from a carcinoma of the prostate. Oedema
of one or either legs, paraplegia or a spontaneous fracture is
occasionally due to metastases from a carcinoma of the prostate.
Anaemia may be the presenting symptoms.
On account of destruction of bone marrow, bone metastases from
carcinoma of prostate can give rise to a haernorrhagic diathesis
and the patient suffers haernorrhage often severe, not
necessarily from the urinary tract.
If the malignant gland obstructs the urethra, the patient
complaints of difficulties in micturition, urinary retension,
infection, stones or renal failure. (Indistinguishable from
those caused by benign hypertrophy of prostate) Because
carcinoma begins in outer zone glands, it only obstruct the
urethra when it is locally advanced and some patient have no
urinary symptoms but they have pain in back or sciatica caused
by bony metastases.
Rectal
examination:
Bimanual examinations under anesthesia, together with cystoscopy
and needle biopsy are essential in order to assess the local
stage of growth. Irregular indurations with stony hardness in
part or in the whole of gland with obliteration of the median
sulcus suggests carcinoma .
TNM
-Classification (adopted by the international union against
cancer)
This is a detailed clinical staging, which is arrived at
simply by the clinician ascertaing the following points during
his examination of the patient.
1. What is the extent of the primary turner?
2. Are there any lymph node affected?
3. Are there any metastases?
TUMOUR
NODES
METASTASES
T.O- Clinically unsuspected
N. 0- No evidence of involvement of regional lymph node
M.0- No evidence of distant metastases
T. 1- Local nodule
N. 1- Involvement of one regional lymph node.
M. 1-Distant metastases.
T.2-Difuse or deforming capsule.
N.2- Involvement of several regional node.
T.3-Out side capsule or extension in to vesicle
N.3- Fixed mass of regional lymph node
T.4- Fixed to the other tissue.
N.4- Involvement of common illiac or Para-aortic node
INVESTIGATION
Blood: Hemoglobin percentage (Leucoerythroblastic
anaemia secondary to extensive marrow invasion or anaemia may be
secondary to renal failure)
Platelet count: Platelet count sometimes reduced when metastases
present.
Renal function test: Because hydronephrosis may exists from
chronic bladder out flow obstruction or from direct invasion of
one or both of the ureters by the carcinoma.
Liver function test: Abnormal when there is extensive metastatic
invasion of the liver.
Alkaline phosphatase may be raised from hepatic involvement or
from secondaries in the bone.
Acid phosphatase: Prostatic fraction can be measured by an
enzyme technique or a radio immuno assay. A raised value is
strongly suggestive of prostatic carcinoma. 20 % of patient with
metastases will have a normal value. So it is not a good
screening test.
Prostatic specific antigen: Measurement of prostatic specific
antigen is now thought to have great specificity when looking
for a response to treatment.
Radiological: X-ray chest- metastases in the lung fields or the
ribs.
Abdominal X-ray - sclerotic metastases too commonly in the
lumbar vertebra and pelvic bones.
Ultrasonography: Transrectal ultrasound helpful in staging local
disease.
Bone scan: Achieved by the injection of technetium 99 the
isotope is then monitered using a gamma camera.
Lymphangiography: Assessment of lymph nodes in the pelvis can be
performed by lyraphangiography.
Bone marrow aspiration: Reveal the presence of metastatic
carcinoma cells.
Biopsy: Using a Vin Silverman needle transrectally can be done
if the diagnosis ii in doubt.
TREATMENT
Surgery:
1. Trans urethral resection (TUR)
TUR is done in the presence of out flow obstruction. This will
give material for diagnosis and provide symptomatic relief. TUR
may not remove all the local cancer. It may be appropriate if
the bone scan is normal.
2. Radical prostatectomy
Radical prostatectomy commonly results in total urinary
incontinence and loss of potency.
3. Pelvic lymph node dissection and 1-131 seed implantation
A pelvic lymph node desection with frozen section examination is
performed. I 131 seeds are then implanted into the prostate
assuming the nodes are free of tumor. This technique delivers a
high dose of radiotherapy with low penetration.
4.Orchidectomy
Bilateral orchidectomy will eliminate the major source of
testosterone production
5. Hypophysectomy and adrenalectomy
Not used in now-a days.
Radio therapy:
Local: Radical radiotherapy to the prostatic bed and pelvic
lymph node. Local complication are inevitable- namely irritation
of bladder, urinary frequency, urgency and some times urge
incontinence. Some upset to rectum with diarrhoea – occasionally
late radiation prosatitis.
General: radiotherapy for symptomatic metastases is a excellent
form of treatment often producing dramatic pain relief.
DRUG
TREATMENT (HOMOEOPATHIC)
Carcinocine . Plumb met Sulphur
Conium mac Psorinum Thuja
Crot. hor (pain with) Selenium Silicea
Cop Sence , Iodum
PROSTATITIS
Acute
prostatitis is usually seen in men between the ages of 30
and 50. In both acute and chronic prostatitis the seminal
vesicles and the prostatic urethra are also usually involved.
Then there is a triad of pathological condition namely posterior
urethritis, prostatitis and seminal vesIculitis. Acute
prostatitis is a common clinical condition seen in our day today
practice.
AETIOLOGY
The usual organism responsible is E. coli. But
staphylococcus aureas and albus, streptococcus faecalis and the
gonococcus may be responsible.
The infection is haematogenous from a distant focus notably
furunculosis, infected tonsils, caries teeth or diverticulitis.
In a minority of cases, the infection ascends from the urethra
or descends from the bladder or kidney.
CLINICAL
FEATURES
Infection usually blood borne. General manifestations
are- the patient feels ill, shivers, may have rigor, aching all
over, especially the back. The temperature may be up to 39-c.
Pain on micturition is usual. Perineal heaviness, rectal
irritation and pain on defecation may occur and sitting may be
uncomfortable. Frequency occurs when the infection spreads up to
the bladder.
Rectal examination-reveals a tender prostate and the seminal
vesicle may be involved.
CHRONIC
PROSTATITIS
Aetiology: is a sequel of inadequately treated acute
prostatitis. Smears show bacteria in about 40% and cultures are
positive in 70% of cases. The predominant organisms are E. coli,
Staphylococcus, streptococcus and Diphtheroids in that order.
Trichomonas has been found to be a cause of chronic prostatitis
(and may be common to both husband and wife) Chlamydia is
another causative organism.
PATHOLOGY
Lumen of the ducts becomes blocked with epithelial debris and
pus. This causes a soft enlargement of the organ. Later fibrosis
occurs, and the prostate becomes smaller and harder.
CLINICAL FEATURES
1. Causing chronic posterior urethritis- specimen
shows 50 or more pus cells/ HPF.
2. Causing epididymitis
3. Pain- Local pain (dull ache) in the perineum and rectum.
Aggravated by sitting on a hard chair.
Referred pain- Low back ache, lumbago, some times extending
down the leg.
4. Silent prostatitis— Pus has been obtained from the prostate.
No other symptoms. (But patient may have arthritis, myositis,
neuritis and sometimes iritis and conjunctivitis.)
5. Recurring attacks of mild pyrexia.
6. Sexual dysfunction— Premature ejaculations, prostatorrhoea
and impotence.
DIAGNOSIS
1. A 3-glass urine test- If the first glass shows urine
containing prostatic threads, prostatitis is present.
2. Rectal examination- May or may not confirm the diagnosis.
3.Examination of the prostatic fluid- Obtained by prostatic
massage. (Normal prostatic fluid is slightly opalescent and
viscid.) May show many pus cells and sometimes bacteria.
4. Urethroscopy— Reveals inflammation of prostatic urethra.
TREATMENT
Acute prostatitis: Avoidance of alcohol and sexual intercourse
for six week is wise.
HOMOEOPATH1C MEDICINE
Aconite
Aesculus— Discharge of prostatic fluid at stool. Frequent,
scanty, dark and hot urine.
Apis mel
Belladonna
Bryonia
Cantharis-- Intolerable urging & tenesrnus, urine scald him &is
passed drop by drop. Constant desire to urinate.
Chimaphilla
Colchicum-- Urine contain clots of putrid decomposed blood,
albumin & sugar.
Copaiva — Act powerfully on mucus membrane especially that of
urinary tract turbid color. Peculiar pungent odor.
Cubeba-- _ Mucus membrane generally especially that of the
urinary tract. Prostatis with thick yellow discharge.
Digitalis — Continued urging in drops dark, hot burnings with
sharp cutting pain at the neck of bladder as if a straw was
being thrust back & forth, ammoniacal & turbid urine.
Ferrum Phos
Gelsemium
Hepar sulph
Iodum
Kali iod
Merc cor
Merc dul
Nitric acid—Scanty dark offensive smells like horse urine. Cold
on passing. Alternation of cloudy phosphatic urine with profuse
urinary secretions in old prostatic cases.
Nitrum
Olium santele
Pichi (Fabiana imbricta)--Vesclcal cattarah with suppurative
prostatic condition.
Picric acid
Pulsatilla
Sabadilla
Sabal .Ser
Salix nigra_ Has a positive action on the generative organs of
both sexes.
Selenium
Silicea
Solidago
Staphysagria
Thuja
Triticum
Verat .v
Vesicaria
CHRONIC
PROSTATIS
Aurm me
Baryta carb
Brachyglottis
Caladium
Carbonium sulph
Causticum
Clematis
Conium mac
Ferrum Picricum
Graphitis
Hepar sulph
Hydrocotyl
Iodum
Lycopodium
Merc cor
Merc sol
Nitric acid
Nux vomica
Phytolacca
Pulsatilla
Sabadilla
Sabina
Sepia
Selenium
Silicea
Solidago
Staphysagria
Sulphur
Thuja
Tribulus
PROSTATIC CALCULI
Two types
1.Endogenous: Common — are usally composed of calcium phospahte
plus 20% of organic material
2. Exogenous: Rare-- is a urinary (ureteric) calculus that
become arrested in prostatic urethra.
CLINICAL FEATURES
Often symptomless, being discovered on X- ray of pelvis for
any other cause. Symptoms are at first those of chronic
prostatis or prostatic obstruction.
Treatment
Small calculi; Symptoms mild - Treatment of c/c prostatitis
Trans urethral resection
Retropubic prostato lithotomy
TUBERCULOSIS OF THE PROSTATE
Tuberculosis of
prostate and seminal vesicles associated with renal tuberculosis
in at least 60%. In 30% there is history of pulmonary
tuberculosis.
Rectal examination reveals one or more well defined nodules most
often near the upper or lower border of one or both lateral
lobe.
CLINICAL
FEATURES
Urethral discharge is the first symptoms. Painful sometimes
bloodstained ejaculation (20 %). Mild ache in the perineum.
Infertility (fertility very much reduced). 80% are sterile.
Urinary symptoms— When the posterior urethra becomes involved
from extension of tuberculosis from the prostate- there is
painful, frequent micturition and sometimes terminal haematuria.
Abscess formation- Cold abscess formation in the prostate.
(Slightly tender soft swelling) It usually ruptured in to the
urethra, rarely through the perineum or in to the rectum. If a
recto— prostatic fistula develops it is extremely difficult to
heal even when the tuberculous infection has been eliminated.
(If a prostatic abscess forms it is better to evacuate it by the
perineal route than to permit it to rupture spontaneously.)
INVESTIGATION
Radiography— large scattered area of calcification
Bacteriological examination of fluid- gives positive culture of
tubercle bacilli.
Posterior urethroscopy- reveals one or more dilated prostatic
duct plus tubercle bacilli in the ejaculate- establishes an
absolute diagnosis.
TREATMENT
General and treatment for tuberculosis.
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