Cancer of the prostate is the second most common cancer in males, and it is seen after the age of 50 years.
Metastatic spread to lymph node occurs early and also metastasis to bone, mainly lumbar spine, and pelvis.
CLASSIFICATION
1) Latent CA
2) Incidental CA
3) Occult CA
4) Clinical CA
Etiology
endocrinological factors:
The hormone androgens are considered for the development and maintenance of the prostatic epithelium. Role of androgen is supported by the following indirect evidence.
a) Orchidectomy (removal of testes) prevents spread and growth
b) Administration of estrogen causes regression of CA prostate.
2) Racial and geographic influences:
It is uncommon in Japanese and Chinese and high in Americans.
3) Environmental influences
This includes high dietary fat, exposure to chemicals like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.
4) Nodular hyperplasia
5) Heredity
SPREAD
1) Direct extension occurs into the prostatic capsule and beyond.
2) Metastasis: distance spread by both lymphatic and hematogenous route.
Clinical features:
On palpation: hard nodular gland fixed to the surrounding tissue.
Urinary obstruction with dysuria, frequency, retention of urine, haematuria, pain in back due to skeletal metastasis
STAGING CLINICAL
Stage 1:
Tumour found incidentally or clinically unsuspected CA in prostate removed for benign disorder.
Stage 2
Tumour palpable by rectal digital examination but confined to the prostate.
Stage 3
Tumour has extended locally beyond the prostate into the surrounding tissues.
Stage 4
Tumour with metastasis to other sites.
Investigation.
USG
Plain X ray lumbar spine and pelvis to rule out metastasis
Radio isotope bone scans to know distant metastasis.
Estimation of PSA (PROSTATIC SPECIFIC ANTIGEN) - value more than 100ng/ml indicates distant bone metastasis.
Homeopathic treatment
Homeopathy definitely has a role in the treatment of cancer. It can be tried as itself or along with the ongoing system of treatment. Since the action of medicine is in a different plane, its action will not be hindered by the action of other systems of medicine.
As usual, the mental as well as the physical aspect of the patient is collected and the family history and if any impacts in mental level are considered before selecting the homeopathic remedy. In general, the over whole prognosis is good and homeopathic medicines can be tried along with other systems of medicine. In clinical practice symptomatic, improvement is fast and permanent.
HOMEOPATHIC MEDICINES like Thuja, conium mac, Hydrastis Q can be tried. But only under the guidance of a doctor .
