Early symptoms of prostate cancer
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Early Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Asymptomatic Nature of Early Prostate Cancer
Lack of Pain and Noticeable Symptoms
Early prostate cancer typically does not cause pain or noticeable symptoms. Most men with early-stage prostate cancer are asymptomatic and are often diagnosed through routine health screenings, such as a blood test for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) or a digital rectal exam (DRE)1.
Common Early Symptoms
Urinary Symptoms
As the tumor grows, it can lead to urinary symptoms. These symptoms include difficulty starting or stopping the flow of urine, a feeling of not being able to empty the bladder completely, and urinary incontinence. These symptoms are often reported by patients undergoing treatment for early prostate cancer1 2 3.
Blood in Urine or Semen
Another symptom that may indicate prostate cancer is the presence of blood in the urine or semen. This symptom, while alarming, can also be associated with other genitourinary conditions and does not necessarily confirm the presence of prostate cancer1.
Pain with Ejaculation
Men with early prostate cancer may experience pain during ejaculation. This symptom, like others, can be indicative of various conditions and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional1.
Sexual Dysfunction
Erectile Dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction, particularly erectile dysfunction, is a common issue reported by men with early prostate cancer. This problem can be exacerbated by treatments such as surgery or radiotherapy, with many men experiencing inadequate erections post-treatment2 3.
Bowel Symptoms
Bowel Irritability
Patients undergoing radiotherapy for early prostate cancer often report bowel irritability. These symptoms can include increased frequency and urgency of bowel movements, which may subside over time but can still be a significant concern during the initial months following treatment2 3.
Conclusion
Early prostate cancer is often asymptomatic, making routine screenings crucial for early detection. When symptoms do appear, they commonly involve urinary issues, blood in urine or semen, pain with ejaculation, and sexual dysfunction. Understanding these symptoms can aid in early diagnosis and treatment, potentially improving outcomes for affected men.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Prostate cancer.
Early prostate cancer usually does not cause pain, and most affected men exhibit no noticeable symptoms. Men are often diagnosed as the result of health screenings, such as a blood test for a substance called prostate specific antigen (PSA) or a medical procedure called a digital rectal exam. As the tumor grows larger, signs and symptoms can include difficulty starting or stopping the flow of urine, a feeling of not being able to empty the bladder completely, blood in the urine or semen, or pain with ejaculation. However, these changes can also occur with many other genitourinary conditions. Having one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that a man has prostate cancer.
Rigorous JournalPatient-reported symptoms after primary therapy for early prostate cancer: results of a prospective cohort study.
Early prostate cancer treatment can cause bowel and bladder irritability, severe sexual dysfunction, and occasional urinary incontinence in men aged over 65 years.
Observational Study
Highly CitedSymptom Indexes to Assess Outcomes of Treatment for Early Prostate Cancer
These reliable and valid symptom indexes can effectively monitor treatment outcomes for early prostate cancer, affecting urinary, bowel, and sexual function and related distress.
Observational StudyHighly CitedProstate cancer.
Prostate cancer is a common malignancy in elderly men, with localized disease treated with subcapsular prostatectomy or radiation therapy, and metastatic disease treated with antiandrogens and gonadotropin-releasing analogs.
Highly CitedRecommended patient-reported core set of symptoms to measure in prostate cancer treatment trials.
The NCI has recommended a core set of patient-reported symptoms for prostate cancer treatment trials, including urinary incontinence, bowel-related symptoms, sexual dysfunction, and hormonal symptoms for localized prostate cancer and pain, fatigue, mental well-being, and physical well-being for advanced prostate cancer.
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedProstate cancer
Early detection and treatment of prostate cancer can lead to a 99% overall survival rate for 10 years, with current treatment options based on disease stage and quality of life.
Highly CitedOverdiagnosis and overtreatment of early detected prostate cancer
Overdiagnosis and overtreatment of early detected prostate cancer can lead to adverse psychological and somatic side effects, and active surveillance may be a suitable option for men with indolent cancer.
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedProstate-specific Antigen Testing as Part of a Risk-Adapted Early Detection Strategy for Prostate Cancer: European Association of Urology Position and Recommendations for 2021.
A risk-adapted early prostate cancer detection strategy, incorporating PSA testing, risk calculators, and multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging, can improve quality of life and reduce prostate cancer-related deaths.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedEarly prostate cancer: clinical decision-making
Early-stage prostate cancer treatment options include surgery, radiotherapy, and adjuvant systemic treatments, with the decision on which to use based on patient and disease factors.
Rigorous JournalHighly Cited