• Published on: Sep 10, 2021
  • 3 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

What Are The Symptoms, Causes, And Treatment Of Prostate Cancer?

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What are the symptoms, causes, and treatment of Prostate cancer?

The different types of prostate cancer are generally classified by grade, degree of progression and staging. Treatment options include surgery, radiation, hormone therapy to suppress testosterone production or blocking the activity of hormones produced by other endocrine glands that stimulate the growth of prostate cancer cells.

Surgical treatment is often recommended when prostate tumors are detected in their early stages-localized stage-as it can usually eliminate them or control tumor growth, so they don't depend on hormones to survive. Surgery may also be recommended if the tumor cannot be seen clearly enough for an accurate diagnosis with imaging tests. Your physician may advise you about this option after discussing your medical history and physical examination results with you.

Symptoms of prostate cancer can be like the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. After noticing these or other symptoms, a doctor will perform a digital examination and ask some general health questions. Possible tests may include an analysis of the fluid secreted by the prostate gland when urinating (known as a "prostate-specific" antigen test), a biopsy, an MRI or CT scan imaging exam, or bone scans to rule out metastasis. Treatment may consist of certain medications that slow down tumor growth including finasteride and others; radiation therapy; surgery with prostatectomy to remove the bladder neck and sectioning/removal of all remaining tissue from within the urinary tract to prevent further spread beyond.

Prostate cancer has no signs or symptoms, so the only prevention is to get screened.

More information to include in the answer: There are several different types of prostate cancer that can be detected with a prostate exam. Some require surgery while others do not. Once diagnosed, treatment for these cancers often focuses on palliative care measures to relieve pain and other bothersome symptoms because prostate tumors rarely spread beyond the confines of this gland; they are considered localized or regional tumors. Treatment for advanced cancers may involve hormone therapy (antiandrogens) or chemotherapy (taxanes like docetaxel).

The symptoms of prostate cancer are also nonspecific and might include a change in frequency or volume of urine flow. An in-depth medical exam often determines the diagnosis, but anxieties in men over forty should be assuaged by getting a PSA test when appropriate. The causes sometimes arise from general conditions common from age 40 on which drive prostate cancer up from 1 out of 100 for people under 40 to 1 out of 4 for people over 80 - such as obesity, diabetes, elevated blood level cholesterol, family history and so forth. It's extra important to look after what we eat and how we live if we have one or more of these conditions already present.

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men. It is particularly more prevalent in elderly men. Over time, prostate cells may develop genetic damage that can lead to uncontrolled, or out-of-control cell growth. The most frequent cause of prostate cancer is age>40 years and obesity (>120% ideal body weight). Treatment for early-stage prostate cancers include surgery, radiation therapy and hormone therapy drugs.

Risk factors for prostate cancer are advanced age, being overweight or obese, family history of the disease or personal history of other cancers that have affected the gland near the prostate (eg., bladder), heavy consumption of alcohol (>2 drinks/day), sedentary lifestyle involving long periods without exercise (<1>

The symptoms of prostate cancer include difficulty urinating, prolonged or too frequent urination, blood in the urine or semen, pain when passing urine or ejaculating, erectile dysfunction. Possible causes include heredity and dietary factors. Treatments can involve surgery to remove the prostate gland in some cases. Options for this might include nerve-sparing robotic surgery when available.

  • Symptoms of prostate cancer include difficulty emptying the bladder, few or interrupted urination, pain during urination and bowel movement, excessive thin urine (pee), bloody urine or semen.
  • Causes of prostate cancer are close to zero chance of contracting it until you reach your 40's. If you had an older family history that involved prostate cancer, then there is a slightly elevated risk.
  • Medical treatment involves surgery to remove the entire gland or radical surgery where both testicles are removed as well as tissue all around the area called the para urethral region, including some muscle tissue on either side called "the peri spongiosum". This medical procedure may cure tumor not otherwise reachable with surgery.

Most of the symptoms are just a part of an enlarged prostate. The treatment is largely based on the type and stage, so for this answer, I will simply mention recurrences- which can happen in an estimated 5% to 20% of people after being treated. Late-stage cancers have been observed to reach points where they have not been observed to grow or spread but have still appeared to persist. As with any cancer, my suggestion would be that you go see your doctor best suited for your needs if you are concerned about any possible symptoms involving your prostate.

Prostate cancer is the third most common male malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in men. It primarily arises from glandular epithelium primarily by way of the prostate ducts and invades nearly every other organ system including bone, lymph nodes and blood vessels.

Symptoms may include hematuria (blood in urine), prostatitis (difficulty urinating), and erectile dysfunction; while risk factors that contribute to getting prostate cancer or who can be diagnosed include age (>50 years old); race (African American); family history of prostate cancer; sexually transmitted diseases such as human papilloma virus or chlamydia infection; diet with high intake of red meat, animal fat, dairy products.

Symptoms of prostate cancer may include difficulty urinating, pain or burning during urination, blood in the urine or semen, frequent trips to the bathroom at night (nocturia) and trouble starting a steady flow of urine. Causes of prostate cancer are related to genetic factors as well as environmental exposure to substances such as pesticides or components in processed foods.

Treatment for Prostate cancer varies depending on its severity. For example, if the tumor is small and is not growing fast it may be watched carefully with regular testing until it grows large enough to produce symptoms like difficulty urinating.

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Lipid Profile Test

Lipid Profile Test – Normal Range and Risks

Keeping your heart healthy isn’t just about staying active or eating green veggies. It also means knowing what’s going on inside your body—especially your cholesterol levels. One of the best ways to track this is through a lipid profile test.

If you’re wondering what this test means, what the numbers should be, and what risks you face if they're abnormal—this blog is for you.

Let’s dive into lipid profile test – normal range and risks in easy and clear language.

 

What Is a Lipid Profile Test?

A lipid profile test is a blood test that measures the amount of fat (lipids) in your blood. These lipids include different types of cholesterol and triglycerides.

The test helps evaluate your risk of heart disease, stroke, and clogged arteries.

 

What Does the Lipid Profile Test Measure?

A complete lipid profile usually measures:

  1. Total Cholesterol – the overall amount of cholesterol in your blood
     

  2. LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein) – the “bad” cholesterol that can block arteries
     

  3. HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein) – the “good” cholesterol that protects your heart
     

  4. Triglycerides – a type of fat that provides energy but can cause heart issues in high amounts
     

Sometimes, the test also calculates VLDL and a cholesterol/HDL ratio to better assess your health risks.

 

Lipid Profile – Normal Range

Understanding what your numbers mean is key. Here are the recommended normal ranges:

Test Component

Normal Range

Total Cholesterol

Less than 200 mg/dL

LDL (Bad Cholesterol)

Less than 100 mg/dL

HDL (Good Cholesterol)

40 mg/dL or more (men), 50+ (women)

Triglycerides

Less than 150 mg/dL

Note: Values may vary slightly depending on labs and age. Always consult your doctor for interpretation.

 

Why Is This Test Important?

High cholesterol usually shows no symptoms. That’s why it's called a silent threat.

Your arteries may slowly get clogged without you knowing it, increasing the risk of:

  • Heart attacks
     

  • Strokes
     

  • Peripheral artery disease
     

  • High blood pressure
     

A lipid profile gives an early warning so you can make timely changes to protect your heart.

 

Risks of Abnormal Lipid Profile

Here’s what happens when the results are not in the normal range:

High LDL Cholesterol

  • Builds plaque in your arteries
     

  • Increases risk of heart attack or stroke
     

Low HDL Cholesterol

  • Reduces protection for your heart
     

  • Makes it easier for bad cholesterol to stick to artery walls
     

High Triglycerides

  • Can lead to pancreatitis and diabetes
     

  • Often linked with obesity and poor lifestyle
     

High Total Cholesterol

  • General risk marker for cardiovascular diseases
     

 

Causes of High Cholesterol or Triglycerides

  • Unhealthy diet (high in fried, fatty, and sugary foods)
     

  • Lack of physical activity
     

  • Smoking and alcohol consumption
     

  • Obesity
     

  • Diabetes or thyroid problems
     

  • Genetic/family history of high cholesterol
     

 

How to Improve Your Lipid Profile Naturally

If your test results are abnormal, you don’t always need medicine right away. Often, small changes in your lifestyle can bring big improvements.

Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet

  • Choose whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins
     

  • Avoid processed food, red meat, and fried items
     

  • Include omega-3 rich foods like fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts
     

Exercise Regularly

  • 30 minutes of walking, yoga, cycling, or swimming at least 5 days a week
     

Quit Smoking & Limit Alcohol

  • These habits lower HDL and increase LDL
     

Maintain a Healthy Weight

  • Losing even 5–10% of body weight can improve lipid levels
     

 

How and When to Take the Lipid Profile Test

When to Take:

  • Once every 12 months for adults above 30
     

  • More often if you have heart disease, diabetes, obesity, or a family history
     

Fasting Required?

Yes, you should fast for 8–12 hours before giving the blood sample for the most accurate results.

 

Can I Get This Test at Home?

Yes! Platforms like SecondMedic.com offer home sample collection for the Lipid Profile Test, powered by trusted labs like Thyrocare.

You just book the test online, and a technician collects the sample from your doorstep. Results are available digitally within 24–48 hours.

Total cholesterol over 240 mg/dL, LDL over 160 mg/dL, and triglycerides over 200 mg/dL are considered high-risk levels.

 

Conclusion

A lipid profile test is a simple yet powerful tool that gives deep insights into your heart health. Knowing the normal range and understanding the risks of abnormal levels can help you take control early and live a longer, healthier life.

Stay proactive about your health. Book a lipid profile test – normal range and risks checkup today and make heart-smart choices.

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