picture of prostate gland header graphic
Prostate Problem Guide

Pictures Of The Prostate Gland

The prostate gland sits just below the bladder and in front of the rectum, partially surrounding the urethra which carries urine from the bladder out of the body. Forming part of the male reproductive system, the prostrate is responsible for the production of a clear liquid which makes up about one third of the seminal fluid used to carry and protect the male sperm during intercourse.

prostate doctor image

Throughout early childhood the prostate gland is very small (about the size of a pea) but grows rapidly during puberty in response to the production of the male hormone testosterone.

prostate gland front view

In adults the prostate is about the size of a walnut and weighs around one ounce.

The prostate gland is divided into the three sections known as the peripheral, central and transition sections.

The peripheral section is situated to the rear of the prostate and is the section in which prostatitis and prostate cancer are most likely to develop. The transition section, which lies in the middle of the prostate gland and surrounds the urethra, is the area in which benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is seen.

There are a number of problems associated with the prostate gland and the most common of these is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

prostate gland side view

This condition, which is a growth of non-cancerous cells within the transition section of the prostate, causes an enlargement of the gland and exerts pressure on the urethra which, in turn, leads to difficulties in urinating. Another common problem is prostatitis, which is an inflammation or infection of the prostate gland.

About half of all men will suffer enlargement of the prostate by the time they reach the age of 60 and, by the age of 80, about ninety percent of the male population will experience an enlarged prostate.

Prostate cancer will also affect a significant percentage of the male population. In 2006 some 237,000 men were diagnosed with prostate cancer and there were some 27,000 deaths from the disease in the United States alone.

Just a sample of the articles from the article section of the site:
A Revolutionary Prostate Operation - Surgery has advanced considerably in recent years and the introduction of robotic technology into the operating theatre will truly revolutionize surgery in the years ahead.

Are Prostate Cancer Patients Being Over-Treated? - Although many men diagnosed with prostate cancer will simply have their condition monitored, a significant number of men will receive either surgical or radiation treatment shortly after diagnosis and recent studies suggest that in as many as half of all cases early treatment may be unnecessary.

How Effective Is Super Prostate Formula? - Super Prostate Formula is one in a range of supplements aimed at men suffering from the problems of an enlarged prostate and this article considers whether or not this, and other similar products, is effective.

Prostate Gland Cancer Surgery Is An Option For Older Men - Men over the age of seventy have traditionally been given radiation or hormone treatment for prostate gland cancer and have been considered too old for surgery to be an option. However, a recently released study suggests that this might be about to change.

The Current State Of Prostate Cancer Research - Heightened public awareness of the problems presented by prostate cancer is at last fuelling prostate cancer research into the causes, prevention and treatment of the disease.

There Is More Treatment For The Condition Of Prostate Cancer Than Just Surgery - Surgery is perhaps the obvious solution for anyone facing up to prostate cancer, but it is certainly not always the only option and the range of choices is wide and growing.

Further information on the prostate gland:

'Surprise' prostate result probed - BBC News


BBC News

'Surprise' prostate result probed
BBC News
"If a cancerous tumour has spread beyond the prostate gland, it would currently be regarded as inoperable and alternative types of treatment, ...
Mayo reports dramatic outcomes in prostate cancer studyMinnPost.com
Experimental drug saves two men with inoperable prostate cancerDaily Mail
Painkillers May Be Good for the ProstateU.S. News & World Report
The Press Association -PRESS TV -Belfast Telegraph
all 176 news articles »

Cancer detection raises concerns - Martinsburg Journal


Royal Gazette

Cancer detection raises concerns
Martinsburg Journal
One way to obtain a prostate biopsy is by way of instruments inserted into the rectum. The rectum and prostate gland are next-door neighbors. ...
Health screenings every man should considerExaminer.com
Healthbeat: Prostate cancer common in men, but easier to detectSkokie Review
Painkillers May Prevent Prostate ProblemsNewsMax.com

all 41 news articles »

Prostate cancer screening still unproven: report - Reuters


Prostate cancer screening still unproven: report
Reuters
PSA, or prostate-specific antigen, is a protein produced by the prostate gland, blood levels of which generally rise when a prostate tumor is present. ...

and more »