While that's good, it has created some problems in terms of how to manage patients. There are clearly prostate cancers that exist but which probably are not life-threatening. We have the technology to get rid of those cancers with radiation or surgery, but we don't know if we need to. Because cancer of the prostate generally doesn't exhibit symptoms until late in the game, physicians rely on two tests to detect malignancies. But neither is foolproof, and only a biopsy can confirm the presence of cancer.
Prostate cancer is unpredictable.
The prostate, a male reproductive organ, is a cluster of glands about the size of a walnut. It secretes thick fluid that transports sperm. In older men, the prostate becomes enlarged and causes urinary problems. Early prostate cancer usually has no symptoms. The slowing or weakening of the urinary stream and a need to urinate more frequently can be signs of prostate cancer, but can signify other, benign diseases.