First signs of prostate cancer

Pro Research Analysisby

Searched over 200M research papers

Analyzed relevant papers

Early Signs of Prostate Cancer

Common Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Urinary Tract Obstruction Symptoms

One of the most common early signs of prostate cancer is related to urinary tract obstruction. Men may experience urgency, nocturia (frequent urination at night), frequency, and hesitancy in starting urination. These symptoms are due to the enlarged prostate gland obstructing the bladder neck. However, these symptoms can also be caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), making it challenging to differentiate between benign and malignant conditions based solely on these signs.

Difficulty with Urination

As the tumor grows, men may find it difficult to start or stop the flow of urine. They might also feel that they cannot completely empty their bladder. These symptoms are indicative of the growing tumor exerting pressure on the urinary tract.

Blood in Urine or Semen

Another sign that may indicate prostate cancer is the presence of blood in the urine or semen. This symptom, although less common, should not be ignored as it can be a sign of a more advanced stage of the disease.

Pain with Ejaculation

Men with prostate cancer may also experience pain during ejaculation. This symptom, while not exclusive to prostate cancer, can be a significant indicator when combined with other symptoms.

Less Common Symptoms

New Onset of Impotence

A new onset of impotence or less firm penile erections can be an early sign of prostate cancer. This symptom is often overlooked or mistakenly attributed to normal aging, but it can indicate that the cancer is affecting the periprostatic tissue involved in erectile function.

Back Pain from Metastases

In some cases, the first sign of prostate cancer may be back pain due to vertebral metastases. This is more common in advanced stages of the disease when the cancer has spread beyond the prostate gland.

Acute Urinary Retention and Other Severe Symptoms

Although rare, acute urinary retention caused by bladder-neck obstruction, bilateral hydronephrosis due to periaortic lymph-node enlargement, or spinal cord compression from epidural extension of prostate cancer can be initial presenting features. These severe symptoms necessitate immediate medical attention.

Screening and Diagnosis

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test

The PSA test is a common screening tool for prostate cancer. Elevated levels of PSA in the blood can indicate the presence of prostate cancer, although they can also be elevated in benign conditions like BPH and prostatitis . A PSA level greater than 10 ng/mL significantly increases the likelihood of detecting cancer, prompting further diagnostic procedures such as transrectal ultrasonography and biopsy.

Digital Rectal Examination (DRE)

A DRE is another screening method where a physician feels the prostate gland through the rectal wall to check for abnormalities. If abnormalities are detected, further tests like transrectal ultrasonography and biopsy are recommended .

Conclusion

Early detection of prostate cancer significantly improves the chances of successful treatment and survival. Recognizing the early signs, such as urinary tract obstruction symptoms, difficulty with urination, blood in urine or semen, and pain with ejaculation, is crucial. Screening methods like the PSA test and DRE play a vital role in early diagnosis. Men experiencing any of these symptoms should seek medical advice promptly to rule out or confirm the presence of prostate cancer.