Prostate cancer signs and symptoms
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Summary
5 papers analyzed
These studies suggest that early prostate cancer often has no noticeable symptoms, but as it progresses, symptoms can include urinary difficulties, blood in urine or semen, and pain with ejaculation.
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Prostate Cancer Signs and Symptoms
Early Detection and Asymptomatic Cases
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Testing and Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
Early prostate cancer often does not cause noticeable symptoms and is frequently detected through health screenings such as PSA testing and DRE. PSA is a protease produced by the prostate, and elevated levels can indicate prostate cancer, although they can also be elevated in benign conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis . DRE can help identify abnormalities in the prostate, but it is not always definitive .
Common Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Urinary Symptoms
As prostate cancer progresses, it can cause urinary symptoms due to bladder outlet obstruction. These symptoms include difficulty starting or stopping urine flow, a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, urgency, nocturia (frequent urination at night), and hesitancy . These symptoms are common in other genitourinary conditions, making it challenging to diagnose based solely on these signs .
Blood in Urine or Semen
Another symptom that can occur as the tumor grows is the presence of blood in the urine (hematuria) or semen (hematospermia). This symptom, while alarming, is not exclusive to prostate cancer and can be seen in other conditions.
Pain and Discomfort
Pain can be a symptom of advanced prostate cancer. Men may experience pain during ejaculation or unexplained bone pain, which can indicate metastatic disease, particularly in the vertebrae . In rare cases, acute urinary retention, bilateral hydronephrosis, or spinal cord compression may be initial presenting features.
Advanced Prostate Cancer Symptoms
Metastatic Disease Indicators
In advanced stages, prostate cancer can metastasize to bones and other organs. Symptoms of metastatic prostate cancer include persistent back pain, new onset of impotence, and less firm penile erections due to involvement of periprostatic tissue. Rarely, patients may present with supraclavicular lymphadenopathy or abnormalities in hepatic function.
Hormonal Symptoms
For advanced prostate cancer, hormonal symptoms such as fatigue, mental well-being issues, and physical well-being deterioration are common. These symptoms are often assessed in clinical trials to measure the impact of treatments.
Conclusion
Prostate cancer can present with a variety of symptoms, many of which overlap with benign conditions. Early detection through PSA testing and DRE is crucial, although these methods have limitations. Common symptoms include urinary issues, blood in urine or semen, and pain, particularly in advanced stages. Understanding these signs and symptoms can aid in early diagnosis and treatment, potentially improving outcomes for men with prostate cancer.
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