Prostate cancer symptoms in males
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Prostate Cancer Symptoms in Males
Early Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Asymptomatic Nature in Early Stages
Early prostate cancer typically does not cause noticeable symptoms. Most men are diagnosed through health screenings such as a blood test for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) or a digital rectal exam (DRE). This asymptomatic nature makes early detection challenging without routine screening.
Urinary Symptoms
As the tumor grows, it can lead to urinary symptoms. These include difficulty starting or stopping the flow of urine, a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, and increased frequency of urination, especially at night (nocturia) . These symptoms are often due to the enlarged prostate gland causing bladder-neck obstruction.
Advanced Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Blood and Pain
In more advanced stages, men may experience blood in the urine or semen and pain during ejaculation. These symptoms can also be indicative of other genitourinary conditions, making differential diagnosis important.
Bone Pain and Metastasis
Unexplained bone pain, particularly in the back, can be a sign of metastatic prostate cancer, where the cancer has spread to the bones . This is often a presenting feature in cases where the disease has progressed significantly.
Erectile Dysfunction
New onset of impotence or less firm penile erections can also be a symptom of prostate cancer, especially if the cancer involves periprostatic tissue related to erectile function.
Psychological and Quality of Life Impact
Mental Health Issues
Prostate cancer is associated with significant psychological symptoms, including depression, anxiety, and stress. These mental health issues can be exacerbated by the physical symptoms and the stress of diagnosis and treatment decisions.
Quality of Life
Men with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) often experience a range of symptoms that severely impact their quality of life. These include pain from skeletal metastases, fatigue, drowsiness, and treatment-related symptoms such as loss of libido, hot flashes, and cognitive impairment.
Conclusion
Prostate cancer in males can present a wide range of symptoms, from asymptomatic early stages to severe physical and psychological symptoms in advanced stages. Early detection through routine screening is crucial, as many symptoms overlap with other benign conditions, making diagnosis challenging. Understanding these symptoms can aid in timely diagnosis and improve management and outcomes for affected individuals.
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