Seminal vesicle cancer is medically described as the uncontrolled proliferation of cancer cells in the seminal vesicles. This type of cancer usually ensues in the form of a tumour or originates as a type of secondary cancer that gradually spreads from the nearby glands like the prostate or testicles or the colon.
Also Read: Prostrate Cancer: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment
The seminal vesicles are a pair of pouch-like glands that can be found within the male pelvis and mainly form a part of the male reproductive system. They are primarily located in front of the rectum just behind the urinary bladder and their main function is to produce the fluids that will turn into semen.
Seminal vesicle cancer that's detected at an early stage, when it's still limited to the seminal vesicles, has the best chance for successful treatment.
Also Read: Testicular Cancer: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment
Causes
The primary causative factor of Seminal vesicle cancer is still undergoing research, but some studies indicate that it is mainly related to changes in the DNA and other genetic material in the seminal vesicles. This sudden mutation in the gene eventually provokes the healthy vesicular cells to grow abnormally and multiply in size and number, leading to the agglomeration of abnormal cells that gradually stick to each other to form a lump or tumour. This cancerous tumour can further penetrate healthy tissues in the neighbouring areas and even set loose from the original site to spread to other organs in the body.
Risk Factors
The common risk factors that aggravate the chances of men developing Seminal vesicle cancer include:
Age: It is more commonly noticed in older males than the younger generation
Race: People of Black ethnicity have a higher incidence of having this cancer
Health Condition: Obesity aggravates the risk of Seminal vesicle cancer
Lifestyle Choices: Extreme addiction to smoking and alcohol makes one prone to this type of cancer
Heredity: The presence of inherited genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2, and having a family history of Seminal vesicle or Prostate cancer increases the risk of seminal vesicle cancer
Symptoms
Although initially there are no characteristic indications or any pain related to the seminal vesicles, the common indications usually crop up after a certain time. These signs and symptoms include:
- Urinating frequently
- Weak flow of urine that may start and stop unexpectedly
- Dysuria or painful urination
- Pain and difficulty while ejaculation
- Erectile dysfunction
- Faecal incontinence
- Presence of blood in the urine or semen
- Intense pain in the hip, lower back, and chest
- Lower volume of semen
- Unexplained sudden weight loss
- Fatigue
- General debility
- Bone pain
Diagnosis And Treatment
On noticing any of the above-mentioned manifestations, do consult a doctor early for early diagnosis and treatment. The doctor primarily does a thorough physical check-up, acknowledges the person’s personal and family medical history and conducts the following diagnostics:
- Blood tests
- Urinalysis
- Digital rectal exam
- Imaging methods like X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans and Trans-rectal ultrasound
- Genomic testing
- Biopsy
Treatment
The available treatment options for Seminal vesicle cancer are usually based upon the stage, size, and location of the tumour, and the current condition of the patient. The treatment includes the following steps:
- Surgery (comprising local excision)
- Pelvic exoneration
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Hormone therapy
- Targeted drug therapy
- Cryotherapy
- Laser ablation
- Photodynamic therapy
- Clinical trials
Prevention
The risk of Seminal vesicle cancer can be reduced by incorporating the following lifestyle modifications:
- Go for a healthy well-balanced diet containing fresh fruits and vegetables
- Perform regular exercise to stay active and maintain a healthy weight
- Steer clear of tobacco, and alcohol
- Try having a good sleep schedule
- Practice safe sex
