The prostate gland is a small gland located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The prostate gland produces a fluid that is used to make semen. In men, the prostate gland can grow to be about one inch in diameter. It is the size of a walnut and weighs about three ounces.

In men, the prostate gland is located in the pelvic area. It has two lobes which are attached to the pelvic wall by the suspensory ligaments. The prostate gland surrounds the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body). The urethra runs from the bladder to the tip of the penis. The prostate gland also surrounds the ejaculatory ducts. These are tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the penis.

The prostate gland is made up of secretory epithelial cells that produce prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) and prostate specific antigen (PSA). PSA is an enzyme that is produced by the prostate gland and it is used to detect prostate cancer. PAP is an enzyme that is produced in the prostate gland and it is released into the seminal fluid.

The prostate gland also produces hormones called androgens. Androgens are responsible for male sexual characteristics and for the development of male secondary sex characteristics. Androgens also regulate the growth and function of the prostate gland.

The prostate gland contains a small amount of nerve fibers. This is a part of the autonomic nervous system. Nerve fibers help to control the muscles of the bladder and the external sphincter. The autonomic nervous system also controls the blood vessels that supply the prostate gland.

Prostate cancer is not common. It is found in only 1% of men between the ages of 50 and 60 years old. The incidence of prostate cancer increases with age. The incidence of prostate cancer is higher in African Americans than in Caucasians.

Prostate cancer can be found in both benign (noncancerous) and malignant (cancerous) forms. Benign prostate tumors do not spread or cause any symptoms. They may be removed by surgery. Malignant prostate tumors may spread to other parts of the body. They can also cause symptoms such as pain, difficulty urinating, and blood in the urine.

Benign prostate tumors can be detected early if they are found in the prostate gland during a routine physical examination. Prostate cancer is usually diagnosed after the disease has reached an advanced stage. This means that the tumor has grown beyond the capsule of the prostate gland.

Cancer of the prostate is not usually curable. The treatment options for this disease include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.