Prostate cancer does not usually cause symptoms in the early stages. Most prostate cancers start in the outer part of the prostate gland. This means that to cause symptoms, the cancer needs to be big enough to press on the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the penis. This is called urethra. Urinary symptoms such as difficulty passing urine are rarely caused by prostate cancer. They are much more likely to be caused by a condition called
benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). If prostate cancer has already spread to other parts of the body (advanced or metastatic prostate cancer), it can cause symptoms such as: Speak with your GP if you have any of these symptoms. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)As men get older their prostate gland enlarges. This is a common condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). As the prostate gland enlarges, it can press on the urethra and bladder. This can affect how you pass urine and cause symptoms such as:
BPH does not develop into cancer. But you can have an enlarged prostate at the same time as having areas in the prostate gland that contain cancer cells. It’s important to see your GP if you have symptoms of BPH. The symptoms don't mean that you have prostate cancer, but it is important to get them checked. As part of investigating the cause of the symptoms, you might have a blood test called a PSA test. This is one of the tests doctors use to help diagnose prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men after skin cancer, so it’s important to understand the basics of the disease, as well as the risk factors. What is prostate cancer?The prostate is a small gland in the male reproductive system, located under the bladder. It’s essential in producing fluid that enriches semen, but it may cause issues as men age. When cells in the prostate begin to grow out of control, prostate cancer may develop. The urethra (the tube that delivers semen and urine from the body) passes through the middle of the prostate. Because of the proximity of the prostate to the urethra and reproductive organs, prostate cancer may cause symptoms affecting urination and sexual activity. The symptoms of prostate cancer may be different for each man, and any one of these symptoms may be caused by other conditions such as prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia. As a result, routine screenings in the form of digital rectal exams (DRE) and prostate-specific androgen (PSA) tests are vital. This article will cover:
Early prostate cancer symptomsBecause of the proximity of the prostate gland to the bladder and urethra, prostate cancer may be accompanied by a variety of urinary symptoms, especially in the early stages of prostate cancer. Depending on its size and location, a tumor may press on and constrict the urethra, inhibiting the flow of urine. Some early prostate cancer signs include:
Advanced prostate cancer symptomsMen with advanced prostate cancer may experience additional symptoms. That’s because the cancer has spread from the prostate to other parts of the body, such as the bones or lymph nodes. Signs of metastatic prostate cancer may include:
A wide range of treatment options are available for managing advanced cancer. These treatments kill cancer cells, but they may also help patients manage pain. Recurrent prostate cancer symptomsProstate cancer that returns after treatment is considered recurrent. When it returns to the area around the prostate, the disease is classified as a local recurrence. If the cancer is found in another part of the body, the recurrent cancer is considered metastatic. If the cancer metastasizes (or spreads) outside the prostate, it most likely develops in bones first. Metastatic prostate cancer most often spreads to the liver, bones and lungs. After initial treatment for prostate cancer, PSA levels are expected to drop dramatically. The first sign of recurrent prostate cancer may be a rise in the PSA level. Other symptoms of recurrent cancer may depend on whether and where the cancer has spread. Symptoms include:
Patients should discuss any symptoms with their doctor and ask about scheduling regular PSA tests after treatment. Testing options for prostate cancerThere is no one age for prostate cancer testing, but the American Cancer Society (ACS) makes recommendations about prostate cancer screenings. According to the ACS, patients in any of these groups should consider asking their doctor about testing:
What are the 5 warning signs of prostate cancer?What are 5 Common Warning Signs of Prostate Cancer?. Pain and/or a "burning sensation" when urinating or ejaculating.. Frequent urination, especially during the nighttime.. Trouble starting urination, or stopping urination once in progress.. Sudden erectile dysfunction.. Blood in either urine or semen.. What is the earliest symptom of prostate cancer?Early prostate cancer symptoms
Burning or pain during urination. Difficulty urinating, or trouble starting and stopping while urinating. More frequent urges to urinate at night. Loss of bladder control.
What are the three main symptoms of prostate cancer?Pain or burning during urination. Blood in the urine or semen. Pain in the back, hips, or pelvis that doesn't go away.
What is the biggest symptom of prostate cancer?When symptoms do occur, they can include: trouble urinating or decreased force of stream, blood in the urine or semen, bone pain, unexpected weight loss, and unexplained fevers. If you consistently notice any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor right away.
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