What Are The Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer
In its early stages, prostate cancer may not have any symptoms. However, in the later stages, symptoms can include:
- the sudden or frequent need to urinate, particularly at night
- difficulty urinating
- feeling uncomfortable or in pain when urinating
- blood in the urine or semen
- pain in the lower back, upper thighs or hips.
Its important to remember that these symptoms dont mean you have prostate cancer. However, you should follow up with your doctor to make sure everything is okay.
What Are 5 Common Warning Signs Of Prostate Cancer
In many cases, prostate cancer does not produce clear symptoms in its initial stages of development. In fact, many men may have prostate cancer without even realizing it.;However, there are some common warning signs that could indicate a person has prostate cancer. Five of the most common ones include:
Of course, these five symptoms are not the only potential warning signs of prostate cancer. Other possible indicators could include weak urine flow, and unexplained pain deep in the groin area when sitting down. If cancer has spread beyond the prostate, a man may also suffer lower body swelling, abnormal urinary or bowel habits, or inexplicable weight loss.
It’s important to note that most of these symptoms are not unique to prostate cancer, and may indicate a different condition that is not life-threatening.
Swelling In Your Legs And Feet
According to Johns Hopkins University, swelling in your lower extremities could be a symptom of advanced prostate cancer, especially when it occurs alongside other symptoms, including “urinary or erectile dysfunction.” When the cancer spreads to the lymph nodes, it causes a blockage, which leads to the build-up of fluids and swelling in your body. And for more on serious cancer symptoms you need to know about, check out 13 Warning Signs Your Pancreas Is Trying to Tell You Something’s Wrong.
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What Should I Do If I Have Prostate Cancer Symptoms
If you are displaying one or more signs of prostate cancer, be sure to promptly consult with a physician. Even benign prostate conditions like prostate enlargement warrant timely medical attention, so dont delay seeking treatment. And, like most other malignancies, prostate cancer is usually more easily treated when it is detected at an early stage.
Weak Flow When Urinating
If you went from having a normal stream to a weaker flow, that’s another sign you need to see your doctor. “When there’s a mass or swelling in the prostate, it can press on the urethra,” Paulson says. “It’s almost like pinching a straw. If you pinch a straw, it’s hard for liquid to come through your straw. The same thing can happen to urine flow, making it hard to have a strong urine stream.”
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Chronic Lower Back Pain
There are many reasons you may experience lower back pain, but if it’s something that’s been bothering you for awhile, it could be a sign of something more serious than sore muscles or bad posture. “It can be easy to ignore chronic low back pain and miss it as a prostate cancer symptom,” says Tempe, Arizona-based naturopathic oncologist Heather Paulson, ND. “If you have low back pain that’s not getting better with treatment, be sure to check your PSA and rule out prostate cancer. Sometimes it’s the first sign you’ll notice.”
Sudden Or Unexplained Weight Loss
If you’ve cleaned up your diet and have been exercising regularly, it’s very clear why you might be shedding a few pounds. But if you’re suddenly losing weight out of nowhere without trying to, it could be a signal of a health problemâprostate cancer included. According to Prostate Cancer U.K., weight loss often occurs with prostate cancer because of a “change in the way your body uses energy,” and that can eventually make you feel tired and weak.
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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.
Nipple Discharge Other Than Breast Milk:
You will notice a nipple discharge other than breast milk. It is quite common in females that they notice some nipple discharge. After pregnancy, the nipple discharge is of milk. But if the discharge is other than milk, it is a question of concern. In some cases, blood also gets discharged from there.
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Blood In Urine Or Semen
Bleeding is a common symptom in many types of cancer, including prostate cancer. Cancer cells divide rapidly and create new tissue that grows very large. If they do not create new blood vessels, the excess tissue will die from starvation. Thus, they trigger something called angiogenesis, that is, new blood vessel creation.
These blood vessels are abnormal, often fragile, and prone to bleeding. Plus, we have inflammation in prostate cancer. There are more blood vessels, and they increase their blood flow due to inflammation.
The urine goes through the prostatic portion of the urethra. The prostate gland partly releases the seminal fluid. Thus, theres a clear rationale as to why patients with prostate cancer notice blood in the urine and semen. However, this sign is unlikely to be the first one to show up in a patient with prostate cancer.
Males with blood in the semen due to prostate cancer usually had previous urinary symptoms described above. In some cases, they neglected their condition, attributed the disease to something normal as we age, or got used to the symptoms and didnt realize their progression.
Detecting Prostate Cancer: 7 Signs And Symptoms
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in American men according to the National Cancer Institute. The term “prostate cancer” refers to any cancer that begins in your prostate. What is the prostate? It’s a walnut-sized gland near the penis and bladder responsible for making seminal fluid.
As you age your risk of developing cancer in your prostate gland increases. That means it’s a good idea to discuss the pros and cons of prostate screening with your doctor once you reach 50.
This type of cancer usually progresses very slowly and often with few signs or symptoms. The Prostate Cancer Foundation says many of the symptoms people associate with cancer could actually signal a benign disease like benign prostate hypertrophy or BPH for short. However some forms of aggressive prostate gland cancer grow quickly so let your doctor know if you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms:
1. Weak or stop-and-start urine flow – If you are having trouble passing urine it could be a sign of an enlarged prostate a tumor or cancer.
2. Frequent need to urinate – It might be more than just an annoyance to find that you need to urinate more frequently especially at night.
3. Burning or pain when urinating – Several different conditions could cause pain or burning when you urinate including infections prostatitis or cancer.
4. Blood in the urine or semen -If you notice blood in your urine or semen call your doctor right away.
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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.
What Is The Main Cause Of Prostate Cancer
Doctors know that prostate cancer begins when cells in the prostate develop changes in their DNA. A cells DNA contains the instructions that tell a cell what to do. The changes tell the cells to grow and divide more rapidly than normal cells do. The abnormal cells continue living, when other cells would die.
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Can Prostate Cancer Be Prevented
You may be able to prevent prostate cancer by practicing a series of healthy lifestyle behaviors that reduce your risk of developing this condition. For example, a high-fat diet is a known risk factor for prostate cancer, therefore, consuming less fat may help you avoid prostate cancer.
There is not a fool proof method to prevent prostate cancer.;Keeping any chronic illness you might have such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, high salt diet, or high sugar diet under control.;Maintain a healthy exercise program.; Make sure to do a self-exam and include scrotum and pelvic lymph node exam. You should report any abnormal findings, says Maslow.
Heres how to prevent prostate cancer using healthy lifestyle behaviors:
- Maintain a healthy weight, as being overweight or obese can increase your risk for prostate cancer.
- Eat healthy, whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and fish, as foods such as these are loaded with vitamins and other nutrients that help you maintain good overall health.
- Exercise regularly, as exercise can help you maintain a healthy weight, regulate hormones, and prevent obesity.
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Can Women Get Prostate Cancer
Women do not have a prostate gland, therefore, they cannot develop the prostate cancer that affects men. However, some people refer to a womans Skenes glands as the female prostate.
Maslow emphasizes, Women do not have a prostate.;; They do not need to worry about prostate cancer.;We do appropriate screenings for female patients.
The Skenes glands are the two small ducts located in front of the vaginal wall and along both sides of the urethra. These glands are not the same as prostate glands in men, though they function similarly in how they drain fluids into the urethra.
Cancer in the Skenes glands is extremely rare and accounts for an estimated 0.003% of female cancers that originate in the urinary tract and genitals. The primary symptom of this cancer is bleeding out of the urethra. Make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible if you are female and experience abnormal bleeding from your vagina or urethra.
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Pain In Your Hips And Upper Thighs
In addition swelling in your lower body, pain in your hips or upper thighs can also be potential symptoms of prostate cancer, according to Robert J. Cornell, MD, a urologist in Houston, Texas. And for other discomforts you should address with your doctor, check out 25 Common Pains You Should Never Ignore.
Look Out For These Warning Signs Of Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the United States. Nearly, 200,000 men are diagnosed every year. Thanks to research and innovation, prostate cancer is also one of the most treatable cancers. In some cases, the cancer doesnt pose an immediate threat to patients due to slow growth. However, for some, the cancer can spread quickly and affect surrounding organs. Understanding the warning signs and risk factors is vital.
As with any cancer, early detection is key in increasing your ability to fight prostate cancer. To discuss the warning signs, we spoke with Suraj Singh, MD, a radiation oncologist at Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center;at North Colorado Medical Center. He explained that early signs for prostate cancer can be subtle. Often, patients dont feel symptoms until the cancer is more advanced. Its just as important to understand your risk factors, said Dr. Singh, so that you take steps to find the cancer before you ever start feeling its effects.
Risk factors include age, family history, race, diet, race and other health issues. Banner MD Anderson recommends men start a conversation with their doctor about the risks and benefits of prostate cancer screening at age 45.
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Warning Signs Of Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men and is known as the second most prevalent cause of death after lung cancer. The prostate is a small walnut-sized gland in the lower abdomen of males, located in front of the rectum. The urethra passes through the center of the gland from the bladder to the penis. The prostate helps in producing semen that passes through the urethra during the process of ejaculation.
Prostate cancer is notorious for the fact that it shows very few symptoms in the early stages of the disease. Prostate cancer can be easily detected by prostate-specific antigen level. It can be further diagnosed by digital rectal examination and ultrasound-guided transrectal prostate biopsy. It is common in old age, so doctors prefer to evaluate biopsy of the prostate of suspicious patients under a microscope before devising the treatment. Prostate cancer develops slowly over time, but debilitating symptoms generally start after few years of the silent disease. If you are having any problems while urinating at the age above 55, it is highly advised to visit your doctor and get yourself screened for prostate cancer.
» Now, lets discuss signs & symptoms of prostate cancer.
How Can Prostate Cancer Be Treated
Prostate cancer can be treated in a number of different ways depending on factors such as the severity of cancer and the rate at which it is growing.
Maslow explains, In my 20 years of oncology experience, I have seen many changes on the front of prostate cancer.; All treatment forms depend on the aggressiveness of the disease and the patients current health status.; Radiation often plays a big part in treatment of prostate cancer.;This comes in many formsexternal beam radiation, prostate seed implants, proton therapy, high intensity focused ultrasound, and chemotherapy. In some cases for advanced disease, radioactive isotopes can be administered to make the patient more comfortable.
Low-grade prostate cancer may not require treatment, especially if you arent experiencing any symptoms. In these instances, a doctor may recommend active surveillance, which involves closely monitoring symptoms and undergoing regular blood testing, rectal exams, and prostate biopsies.
Other treatments for prostate cancer include hormone therapy, freezing or heating the prostate tissue, surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted drug therapy. Your doctor can recommend the best prostate cancer treatment for you based on your unique condition.
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What Are The Early Signs Of Prostate Cancer
If you experience any or more of the symptoms below, its a warning sign that you have to go see your GP. In a lot of cases, if the pain is located in your bones or pelvic area, it could be a signal that cancer has spread.
Below are the 12 warning signs and symptoms of prostate cancer that should never be ignored in order to prevent the development and progression of the disease.
What Are The Causes Of Prostate Cancer
The specific etiology or cause of prostate cancer is still yet to be discovered.
This cancer starts when the DNA of cells in the prostate changes, causing them to grow and replicate quicker than normal cells.
These unstable cells can eventually grow into a tumor that damages the tissues and organs around them.
These cancerous cells can migrate from the tumor and spread to other organs and regions of the body in aggressive cases of prostate cancer.
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Prostate Cancer: Signs And Symptoms
So, the good news is that;when you detect prostate cancer in its very early stages, youve got a much better chance of survival. The bad news is that;in its absolute earliest stages, prostate cancer causes very few symptoms. However, as it develops and even before it spreads to other organs in the body there are some signs you should be aware of.
One of the most easily recognizable signs of a prostate problem is difficulty urinating. That includes having a weak stream of urine, dribbling urine, and having frequent urges to urinate, even during sleep and even if you dont have a lot of urine in your bladder. Urinary symptoms occur as the tumor enlarges and begins pressing on your bladder or against your urethra .;
Urinary troubles may be the symptom most commonly associated with prostate cancer, but its not the only symptom you need to be aware of. Other symptoms include:
- Blood in your urine or semen
- Problems getting or maintaining an erection
- Pain during ejaculation
- Pain or pressure in the pelvic area
- Pain or pressure in the rectum area, the hips, or the lower back
Prostate Cancer Warning Signs You Should Be Looking Out For
Although prostate cancer is rare before age 40, its important for men of all ages to be aware of its symptoms, because its the second leading cause of cancer deaths in American men. If you recognize the signs early and come in to see Mark J. Kelly, MD, in Santa Monica, California, youll have a much better chance of treating it successfully.
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Detection And Diagnosis Of Prostate Cancer
Currently there are no mens health tests that provide sufficient accuracy to screen large populations of men for prostate cancer. This is why theres no official screening program for prostate cancer, like there is for breast cancer.
The most common test used to determine if there is a problem , is the prostate specific antigen blood test. This test measures levels of PSA, as elevated levels may indicate cancer. However, only one in three men with elevated PSA levels have cancer. Because these levels can vary, you may need to have a few tests over time, so your doctor can determine your risk of cancer.
Your doctor may also perform a digital rectal examination , which involves inserting a gloved, lubricated finger inside your rectum to check for prostate enlargement.
Results of the blood tests and/or DRE will determine if you need to have further tests.
Noticing new or unusual symptoms can be worrying. However, it doesnt always mean something is wrong. If you do notice anything unusual, follow up with your doctor. Because like most health conditions, the earlier cancer is detected, the better the treatment outcome.
Please note: The information supplied is general in nature. Please consult your medical practitioner for individual advice.