Pain In The Lower Pelvic Area
Cornell also says that as prostate cancer becomes more advanced, you may also experience a dull pain in your lower pelvic area. It’s described as being very similar to the pain you feel when you have a toothacheânot the type of pain or soreness you would feel after a hard workout. And for misconceptions about your well-being, check out 20 Worst Men’s Health Myths That Just Won’t Die.
How Can A Swollen Leg Be Related To Cancer
How Can A Swollen Leg Be Related To Cancer? Many people know that leg swelling is a normal part of pregnancy. Or that if your heart or kidneys are not working properly, then fluid can back up into your legs and cause swelling. Unfortunately, one problem that most people do not associate with leg swelling is cancer. This is unfortunate, because many people have leg swelling, most specifically an unprovoked deep venous thrombosis causing that swelling, as the first sign of their cancer. What does that mean?
Deep venous thrombosis , or a blood clot in one of the deep veins in the leg, is very common in the United States. This usually presents as unilateral leg swelling, especially of the calf and ankle. As many as 900,000 people a year are diagnosed with a DVT and about 100,000 of them DIE of either the DVT or a pulmonary embolus . A pulmonary embolus is when the blood clot travels to the lung and causes the death of a part of the lung. Most of the time, a DVT is provoked, or has a cause. Common reasons for a DVT include long car or plane rides, having orthopedic or other surgery, being on bedrest or being very sedentary, being on birth control pills, or having unusual proteins in the blood that cause one to clot more easily.
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What To Look For
- Trouble breathing, especially when lying down
- Heart racing or palpitations
- Feet and lower legs get larger , usually when you sit in a chair, stand, or walk
- Rings feel too tight for fingers
- Hands feel tight when making a fist
- Large, puffy, hard, or blown-up abdomen
- Difficulty putting on pants or an outfit
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Burning Or Pain During Urination
The most common cause of pain or burning when urinating is a bladder infection, Paulson says. “However, if your urine test comes back negative for infection or the burning and pain is persistent, be sure to dig a little deeper and check your prostate. It could be an easily missed sign of prostate cancer,” she says.
Your Gp Practice Nurse And District Nurse
Your GP, practice nurse, and district or community nurse will work with other health professionals to co-ordinate your care and offer you support and advice. They can also refer you to local services. They can visit you in your home and also help support your family. They might also care for you if you go into a nursing home or hospice.
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/10one Warning Sign To Watch Out For In Your Leg
Advanced prostate cancer symptoms may vary depending on the location targeted by the spread.
But one sign of a spreading tumor can be spotted in the leg, which is swelling. The swelling takes place because the prostate cancer spreads to the lymph nodes, according to Cancer Research UK.
Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped clusters of cells that contain a combination of different types of immune system cells that combat infections. These are present all over the body including the groin area.
That said, if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, close to the prostate, it could lead to swelling in the legs.
Maximum Treatment Minimum Side Effects
California Protons, located in San Diego, is the only center in the state using clinically proven, revolutionary technology to deliver proton therapy radiation with unmatched precision and the utmost care. Its one of the safest and most effective prostate cancer treatments in the world, which can result in high cure rates, reduced side effects and improved outcomes.
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Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer
Though early warning signs of prostate cancer are rare, sometimes men experience symptoms before they are diagnosed. The severity of symptoms may depend on where the cancer is located in the prostate and how advanced it has become. However, having any of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that you have prostate cancer or that the disease has progressed beyond its early stages.
Health And Social Care Professionals You Might See
You might see a range of different professionals to help manage your symptoms and offer emotional and practical support. Some may have been treating you since your diagnosis. Others provide specific services or specialise in providing treatment to manage symptoms .
If you have questions or concerns at any time, speak to someone in your medical team. They can explain your diagnosis, treatment and side effects, listen to your concerns, and help you get support.
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/10what Is Prostate Cancer
Usually cancer starts when cells in the body start growing abnormally. That said, prostate cancer begins when cells in the prostate gland start to grow out of control.
While there is no clear answer to what causes prostate cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic, prostate cancer begins when cells in the prostate develop changes in their DNA. The accumulating abnormal cells form a tumor that can grow to invade nearby tissue, explains the health body.
/10who Should Get Tested
people should get themselves tested for prostate cancer.
– Men aged 50 or older who have an average risk of prostate cancer and a life expectancy of at least 10 more years
– Men aged 45 or older with a high risk, including African-American men and those with a first-degree relative who had prostate cancer before age 65
– Men aged 40 or older who have a higher risk, such as more than one first-degree relative diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age
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Trouble Walking Or Climbing Stairs
Having difficulty walking or climbing stairs due to pain or weakness? It’s time to schedule an appointment with your doctor. According to South Carolina-based urologist Neal Shore, MD, it’s a symptom that can emerge as prostate cancer progresses. “Men with advanced disease and their caregivers describe difficulty walking or climbing stairs,” he wrote on Oncology Nurse Advisor. “These symptoms can have a major impact on daily quality of life, but men with advanced disease don’t always recognize these symptoms.” And for things you’re doing that are increasing your chances of another serious health problem, check out 20 Ways You’re Raising Your Risk of a Heart Attack Without Knowing It.
Testing Options For Prostate Cancer
There is no one age for prostate cancer testing, but the American Cancer Society makes recommendations about prostate cancer screenings. According to the ACS, patients in any of these groups should consider asking their doctor about testing:
- Men age 50 or older who have an average risk of prostate cancer and a life expectancy of at least 10 more years
- Men age 45 or older with a high risk, including African-American men and those with a first-degree relative who had prostate cancer before age 65
- Men age 40 or older who have a higher risk, such as more than one first-degree relative diagnosed with prostate cancer at an early age
Expert cancer care
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Eating Problems And Weight Loss
Some men with advanced prostate cancer have problems eating, or dont feel very hungry. You might feel or be sick. These problems may be caused by your cancer or by your treatments. Being worried about things can also affect your appetite.
Problems eating or loss of appetite can lead to weight loss and can make you feel very tired and weak. Advanced prostate cancer can also cause weight loss by changing the way your body uses energy.
What can help?
If you feel sick because of your treatment, your doctor can give you anti-sickness drugs. Steroids can also increase your appetite and are sometimes given along with other treatments.
Try to eat small amounts often. If youre struggling to eat because of nausea , try to avoid strong smelling foods. Cold foods tend to smell less, or it may help if someone cooks for you. Try to eat when you feel less sick, even if its not your usual mealtime. Fatty and fried foods can make sickness worse. Drink plenty of water, but drink slowly and try not to drink too much before you eat.
Tell your doctor if you lose weight. They can refer you to a dietitian who can provide advice about high calorie foods and any supplements that might help. It can be upsetting for your family to see you losing weight, and they may also need support. Macmillan Cancer Support and provide support and information about eating problems in advanced cancer.
What Are Ways To Manage It
Managing lymphedema is very important. Lymphedema tends to be easier to treat when diagnosed early. Not only for general comfort and ease of movement, but also, because trapped fluid can make it easier to develop a serious infection and destruction of the skin.
It is important to monitor yourself for signs of infections including pain, redness, heat, fever, and red streaks under the skin. It is also important to avoid having an injection or needle stick in the affected area, as well as to protect the skin while gardening, cooking, or performing any other activity that could lead to cuts, bruises, or scrapes. Its also very important to wear sunscreen and bug spray when outside, as well as to practice hygienic behaviors when it comes to shaving and using razors. If you notice you have a concerning cut, bruise, or any signs of infection, contact your doctor immediately.
Moving around regularly is another key component to managing lymphedema. Practicing gentle exercise , avoiding crossing your legs or sitting in one position for more than 30 minutes, and getting up to walk around every so often while sitting or lying down can be simple, yet efficient, ways to reduce swelling. Additionally, avoiding tight clothing and jewelry, and extreme temperatures can also help reduce lymphedema and increase fluid movement and drainage. Massages given by a trained professional and designed to help drain fluid may also be an option.
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Where Does Prostate Cancer Spread
The most common place for prostate cancer to spread to is the bones. It can also spread to the:
A large tumour in the prostate gland can spread into or press on areas around the prostate, such as the back passage or urethra. The urethra is the tube which carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.
What Caregivers Can Do
- Watch for any new symptoms, especially shortness of breath or swelling in the face.
- Encourage the patient to keep the swollen body part propped up as high as is comfortable when sitting or lying down.
- Learn to read food labels and talk with the cancer care team about how to keep intake of sodium down.
- Dont add salt, soy sauce, or monosodium glutamate when cooking or preparing food.
- Weigh the patient every 1 to 2 days on the same scale, at the same time of day. Keep a list of weights and dates.
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Why Do Some Men Get Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy diagnosed in men. Prostate cancer is a disease defined by the abnormal growth of cells. These abnormal cells can proliferate in an uncontrolled way and, if left untreated, form tumors which may metastasize or spread to other parts of the body. Prostate cancer has the potential to grow and spread quickly, but for most men, it is a relatively slow growing disease.
For men who suspect that they might have prostate cancer, it is very important to understand the risk factors and symptoms. Knowing where the prostate is located in the body, and the functions of the prostate will explain the impacts of prostate cancer and prostate cancer treatment. Patients diagnosed with prostate cancer need to discuss with their doctors their particular type, aggressive or non-aggressive, of prostate cancer. This will allow the patient, working with their doctor to determine the most effective treatment for their cancer.
The prostate cells produce an enzyme named Prostate Specific Antigen or PSA, found in a man’s blood. PSA is produced exclusively by prostate cells. Elevated levels of the PSA enzyme can be helpful in diagnosing issues with the prostate, like cancer or infection. These elevated levels of PSA can be detected with a simple blood test. For more information, visit our page on PSA.
Impact On Quality Of Life
Its important to talk with your doctor about lymphedema and make an effort to manage it whenever possible. This is not only for the physical benefits, but also for the mental and emotional benefits as well. Lymphedema has been linked to decreased quality of life in cancer survivors. This can be due to the loss of function, strength, range of motion, or flexibility of joints or limbs, as well as the potential inability to perform normal tasks.
Additionally, body image issues may develop if an individual has visible swelling of different regions of their body, or has clothes, jewelry, and accessories that no longer fit. These frustrations can grow and can lead an individual into developing depression, anxiety, or social avoidance.
Not everyone will experience these issues when dealing with lymphedema, however, if you or a loved one begins to show signs of these struggles, consult a healthcare provider for support.
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What Are The Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer
Early-stage prostate cancer rarely causes symptoms. These problems may occur as the disease progresses:
- Frequent, sometimes urgent, need to urinate, especially at night.
- Weak urine flow or flow that starts and stops.
- Painful urination .
- Lower back pain, hip pain and chest pain.
- Leg or feet numbness.
What Health Problems Can Lymphedema Cause
- Lymphedema raises your risk of getting an infection in the swollen area. This happens because the cells that prevent infection cant reach that part of your body.
- Wounds may heal more slowly on the part of your body that has lymphedema.
- You may feel upset, depressed, embarrassed, or angry about the lymphedema.
- The joints in the part of the body with lymphedema may feel stiff or sore.
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What Are The Stages Of Prostate Cancer
Your healthcare provider uses the Gleason score and Grade Groups to stage prostate cancer based on its projected aggressiveness. To get this information, the pathologist:
- Assigns a grade to each type of cell in your sample. Cells are graded on a scale of three to five . Samples that test in the one to two range are considered normal tissue.
- Adds together the two most common grades to get your Gleason score .
- Uses the Gleason score to place you into a Grade Group ranging from one to five. A Gleason score of six puts you in Grade Group 1 . A score of nine or higher puts you in Grade Group five . Samples with a higher portion of more aggressive cells receive a higher Grade Group.
What Is Advanced Prostate Cancer
When prostate cancer spreads beyond the prostate or returns after treatment, it is often called advanced prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is often grouped into four stages, with stages III and IV being more advanced prostate cancer.
- Early Stage | Stages I & II: The tumor has not spread beyond the prostate.
- Locally Advanced | Stage III: Cancer has spread outside the prostate but only to nearby tissues.
- Advanced | Stage IV: Cancer has spread outside the prostate to other parts such as the lymph nodes, bones, liver or lungs.
When an early stage prostate cancer is found, it may be treated or placed on surveillance . Advanced prostate cancer is not curable, but there are many ways to treat it. Treatment can help slow advanced prostate cancer progression.
There are several types of advanced prostate cancer, including:
Biochemical Recurrence
With biochemical recurrence, the prostate-specific antigen level has risen after treatment using surgery or radiation, with no other sign of cancer.
Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Non-Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer that no longer responds to hormone treatment and is only found in the prostate. This is found by a rise in the PSA level, while the testosterone level stays low. Imaging tests do not show signs the cancer has spread.
Metastatic Prostate Cancer
- Lymph nodes outside the pelvis
- Other organs, such as liver or lungs
Metastatic Hormone-Sensitive Prostate Cancer
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What Are Signs Of Edema
Signs of edema may include:
- swelling in your feet, ankles, and legs
- swelling in your hands and arms
- swelling in your face or abdomen
- skin that is puffy, shiny, or looks slightly dented after being pressed
- shortness of breath, a cough, or irregular heartbeat
Tell your health care team if you notice swelling. Your doctor or nurse will determine what is causing your symptoms, advise you on steps to take, and may prescribe medicine.
Some problems related to edema are serious. Call your doctor or nurse if you feel short of breath, have a heartbeat that seems different or is not regular, have sudden swelling or swelling that is getting worse or is moving up your arms or legs, you gain weight quickly, or you dont urinate at all or urinate only a little.