What are symptoms of prostate cancer
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Summary
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These studies suggest that symptoms of prostate cancer can include difficulty urinating, blood in urine or semen, pain with ejaculation, urinary incontinence, bowel-related symptoms, sexual dysfunction, hormonal symptoms, pain, fatigue, and changes in mental and physical well-being.
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Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Early Detection and Asymptomatic Cases
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Testing and Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
Early prostate cancer often does not cause noticeable symptoms. Many men are diagnosed through health screenings, such as a blood test for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) or a digital rectal exam (DRE). These tests can detect prostate abnormalities before symptoms develop, making early detection possible.
Urinary Symptoms
Difficulty Urinating and Bladder Issues
As prostate cancer progresses, it can cause urinary symptoms. These include difficulty starting or stopping the flow of urine, a feeling of not being able to empty the bladder completely, and urinary urgency, nocturia (frequent urination at night), and hesitancy . These symptoms are often due to the tumor pressing on the urethra or bladder.
Blood in Urine or Semen
Another symptom that may arise is hematuria, or blood in the urine, and hematospermia, or blood in the semen. These symptoms can be alarming and warrant further investigation.
Sexual Dysfunction
Erectile Dysfunction and Painful Ejaculation
Prostate cancer can also affect sexual function. Men may experience erectile dysfunction or less firm penile erections. Pain during ejaculation is another symptom that can occur as the disease progresses .
Advanced Prostate Cancer Symptoms
Bone Pain and Metastasis
In advanced stages, prostate cancer can spread to other parts of the body, most commonly the bones. This can lead to unexplained bone pain, particularly in the back, hips, or thighs . Bone pain is often a sign that the cancer has metastasized.
Systemic Symptoms
Advanced prostate cancer can also cause systemic symptoms such as fatigue, mental well-being issues, and physical well-being decline. These symptoms reflect the overall impact of the disease on the body.
Rare and Severe Symptoms
Acute Urinary Retention and Spinal Cord Compression
In rare cases, prostate cancer can cause acute urinary retention due to bladder-neck obstruction, bilateral hydronephrosis from periaortic lymph-node enlargement, or spinal cord compression from epidural extension. These severe symptoms require immediate medical attention.
Lymphadenopathy and Liver Abnormalities
Occasionally, prostate cancer may present with supraclavicular lymphadenopathy or abnormalities in hepatic function. Biopsies of affected lymph nodes or liver tissue can reveal adenocarcinoma, indicating the spread of prostate cancer.
Conclusion
Prostate cancer symptoms can vary widely, from asymptomatic cases detected through screening to severe systemic and metastatic symptoms. Early detection through PSA testing and DRE is crucial, as many symptoms overlap with benign conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis. Understanding these symptoms can aid in timely diagnosis and treatment, improving patient outcomes.
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