The reasons for prostate cancer in women are possible

Do women have a prostate gland?

The prostate is a small, walnut-sized gland that lies beneath the bladder and surrounds the urethra. These glands function to produce fluid or semen that protects and transports sperm. The muscles in the prostate gland play a role in pushing out semen when ejaculating.

The prostate gland is only present in the male anatomy. As for women do not have a prostate gland because of a different reproductive system.

However, as reported by the University of California, Berkeley (UC Berkeley) public health information center, women have two glands whose anatomy and function are similar to the male prostate gland. This gland is then often referred to as the female prostate because of the similarity in function.

These two glands that look like men's prostates are actually called Skene's glands. It lies around the urethra or urethra of women, about 5-8 centimeters near the vaginal wall. This woman's prostate will also produce a lubricating fluid that is useful for wetting the vagina when aroused.

In addition to its function and anatomy, male and female prostates also have a special antigen (immune response stimulant) substance called PSA. (prostate specific antigen) and PSAP (prostate-specific acid phosphatase). So it can be concluded, the male and female prostate glands have a similar structure, but not exactly the same.

How do women get prostate cancer?

The entire organ system of your body is made up of billions of cells. Any disorders or abnormalities in the cells can become cancer. So, like other parts of your body, the cells in the female prostate gland also have the possibility of developing cancer.

However, prostate cancer in women is very rare. According to cancer specialists who are members of the Society of Gynecologic Oncology, cases of Skene's gland cancer in women are only 0.003% of all types of cancer that attack the reproductive system and female urinary tract.

Although they are rare, cysts, inflammation, and infection sometimes appear in Skene's glands and surrounding tissue. However, this condition is often mistaken for a disease related to the urinary or urinary tract.

Research published in the Journal of Medical Case Reports in 2018 reported a rare case of Skene's gland cancer. The tumor in the urethra found in a female patient appeared to have originated in Skene's gland. This is generally recognized when a high PSA level is detected in these patients.

However, the cause of prostate cancer experienced by this woman is not certain. Research related to this disease is still very limited.

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer in women?

Research on prostate cancer in women is still very limited, so the symptoms of this disease have not been identified with certainty. Therefore, if you feel a change in urination habits or other symptoms of prostate cancer, you should immediately consult a doctor.

In addition, you also need to be aware of other symptoms that tend to occur continuously and have no clear cause, such as:

Bloody urine.
Pain when urinating.
Pain in the lower urinary tract.
Vaginal pain.
Pain behind the collarbone.
Pain during sex.
Sexual dysfunction.
Irregular menstrual cycle.

The symptoms in these women are not necessarily related to prostate cancer. But there is nothing wrong with seeing a doctor to find out the exact cause of the symptoms you are experiencing.

The doctor may order a series of prostate cancer tests to confirm the condition. If positive for cancer, the doctor will determine a prostate cancer treatment that suits your condition, be it radiation therapy (radiotherapy), surgery, or other types of treatment.

Always consult with your doctor about the advantages and disadvantages of each type of treatment that you will be undergoing.