what is prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is a form of cancer that originates in the gland cells of the prostate, a male reproductive organ. The prostate is a small walnut-shaped gland located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It produces fluid that is part of semen. Prostate cancer typically starts when cells in the prostate gland begin to grow out of control, leading to the formation of a tumor. Most prostate cancers are adenocarcinomas, which develop from the gland cells that produce prostate fluid. While some prostate cancers can grow and spread quickly, many grow slowly and may not affect a persons life. The exact cause of prostate cancer is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve abnormal cell division and growth. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in American men, and it is typically diagnosed before it spreads beyond the prostate gland. Treatment options for prostate cancer include active surveillance, surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, depending on the stage and aggressiveness of the cancer.