Prostate Cancer: Understanding Joe Biden’s Aggressive Form

Recently diagnosed prostate cancer of a particularly aggressive form. The disease has already reached bones, an evolution that marks a major degradation of the situation.

Joe Biden resolved to consult due to a worsening of the urinary disorders he suffered. This decision undoubtedly contributed to saving her life. The observation of a small prostatic nodule decided doctors to conduct additional examinations, which revealed a high grade tumor (Which means that cells have a very abnormal appearance, editor's note), corresponding to a type of prostate cancer among the most aggressive, fast growing.

If many types of prostatic cancer evolve slowly and can remain without gravity for a long time, some – like the one with which Joe Biden is reached – are much more threatening, capable of disseminating himself quickly, sometimes even before the appearance of the slightest symptom.

Here is what you need to know about this cancer, the second more frequent in men worldwide (After lung cancer, editor's note).

Prostate cancer assessment

Located under the bladder, the size of a nut, the prostate is a gland whose function is to produce the seminal fluid. The cancer that affects this organ is particularly frequent in men over 50. Early prostate cancers are often asymptomatic, which makes regular screening essential, especially in older men or having family history.

Symptoms of the disease may include frequent urination (especially at night), difficulties in initiating or maintaining the urinary jet, or even a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder. In the most advanced forms, pain in hips, back or pelvis can manifest. They can be accompanied by persistent fatigue or unexplained weight loss – so many signals that have contributed to Joe Biden's decision to consult.

The tumor revealed by the exams turned out to be accompanied by a in Gleason de nine score. Gleason's score is an essential tool for assessing prostate cancer. It is based on observation under the microscope of tumor cells, noting their degree of anomaly. It varies from six to ten, the highest scores indicating more aggressive tumors.

A score of nine means that cancer cells have a very altered architecture and are highly likely to spread quickly, requiring immediate and intensive care.

What treatments?

In the case of Joe Biden, cancer has already metastasized, that is to say that it has spread beyond the prostate, reaching bone tissue. This places it at stage IV, the most advanced in the classification of prostate cancer. If it is no longer curable at this stage, it remains treatable, thanks to a combination of therapies intended to slow the progression of the disease and to relieve symptoms.

A notable element of the diagnosis of the former president's disease is the hormone -sensitive character of the tumor. Prostate cancer cells generally depend on male hormones, including testosterone, to grow. Hormonosensitive cancers respond well to the treatments that lower or block hormonal levels.

These treatments frequently constitute a first step in the management of the disease. This approach can be supplemented by chemotherapy, targeted therapies and drugs intended to prevent bone complications, such as fractures or severe pain.

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Access to screening, essential in the fight against prostate cancer

If the announcement of the diagnosis of Joe Biden's disease has aroused great concern, it also gave rise to a broad momentum of support, including on the part of opposing political figures, such as President Donald Trump.

Beyond manifestations of emotion, Biden's disease has revived the debates around prostate cancer-in particular concerning the importance of early diagnosis, access to screening and inequalities in access to treatments.

The reality is relentless: one in eight man will receive a diagnosis of prostate cancer during his life. In many, the disease will never become threatening. But in others, it will be dazzling and invasive, which pleads in favor of constant vigilance and regular medical monitoring.

Joe Biden's case hardly recalls that cancer spares neither the powerful nor the famous. He also testifies to the importance of listening to his body and consulting as soon as something seems unusual.

Thanks to the progress of medical research, treatments are today more effective than ever and allow patients to ensure better quality of life – even when the diagnosis is serious. While Joe Biden begins his treatment, his career could encourage other men to consult, to be tested and to take their health more seriously. Because, even when you have stadium prostate cancer IV, a life rich in important moments remains possible.