Symptoms of prostrate cancer
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Summary
10 papers analyzed
These studies suggest that symptoms of prostate cancer can include urinary issues, bladder neck obstruction, hematuria, back and hip pain, digestive symptoms, skeletal pain, and general pain, fatigue, and depression.
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Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Urinary Symptoms in Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer often presents with urinary symptoms that are similar to those seen in benign prostatic hyperplasia. These symptoms include bladder neck obstruction, which manifests as increased frequency of urination, urgency, nocturia (frequent urination at night), hesitancy, and a diminished urinary stream. Hematuria, which can be either gross or microscopic, is also a common symptom.
Pain and Metastatic Symptoms
In advanced stages of prostate cancer, symptoms related to metastases are prevalent. Patients often experience skeletal pain, particularly in the back and hips, which is indicative of bone involvement . This pain is a significant prognostic factor, with a higher mortality rate observed in patients presenting with skeletal pain and prostatism. Additionally, hydronephrosis due to ureteral obstruction by local tumor extension or lymph node involvement can cause flank pain and is generally associated with a poor prognosis.
Non-Urinary Symptoms
Prostate cancer can also present with non-urinary symptoms. Weight loss and fatigue are frequent, and in rare cases, digestive symptoms such as dysphagia (difficulty swallowing) and vomiting may occur. These symptoms can sometimes lead to a misdiagnosis of gastric or esophageal pathology before the correct diagnosis of prostate cancer is made.
Long-Term Symptoms and Quality of Life
Long-term survivors of prostate cancer may experience a cluster of symptoms including pain, fatigue, and depression. These symptoms can significantly impact health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The severity of these symptoms can vary, with some patients experiencing high levels of all three symptoms, while others may have moderate or low levels. Factors such as physical inactivity, a history of depression, and specific comorbidities are associated with worse HRQoL outcomes.
Treatment-Related Symptoms
Treatment for prostate cancer, such as radiotherapy and brachytherapy, can also lead to various symptoms. Common treatment-related symptoms include nocturia, dysuria (painful urination), rectal urgency, and discomfort during erection or ejaculation . These symptoms can persist for several months or even years after treatment .
Conclusion
Prostate cancer presents with a wide range of symptoms, from urinary and skeletal pain to non-specific symptoms like weight loss and fatigue. Understanding these symptoms and their implications can aid in early diagnosis and improve management strategies for patients. Long-term survivors may continue to experience significant symptoms that affect their quality of life, highlighting the need for ongoing support and tailored interventions.
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