Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer
In many cases, symptoms of prostate cancer are not obvious during the early stage of the disease. Sometimes they can be mistaken for other conditions. Also, two men may have completely different symptoms of the same disease. That’s why it is very important to have routine screenings, especially if you are over 50.
Early Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer
In the early stages, prostate cancer is often accompanied by different urinary symptoms. If the tumor is large, it can press on the urethra, which inhibits the normal flow of urine. Some of the symptoms are:
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Pain Or Burning Sensation During Urination
If you experience any kind of discomfort during urination, you should visit your doctor. Burning sensation is usually caused by a urinary tract infection, which can be easily cured if you react timely. However, you should also check your prostate, because it can also be an early sign of prostate cancer.
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Incontinence
The loss of bladder control is more common issue than you might think. It can be caused by various factors, it could be a sign of infection, kidney stones, enlarged prostate or even prostate cancer. It can be embarrassing to talk about this problem, but it is very important. A lot of men are dealing with it, even if they don’t want to talk about it. If you experience urinary incontinence we suggest you visit a doctor, who will be able to find out what is causing it.
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Difficulties When Urinating
Many people with prostate cancer experience trouble starting urinating or stopping while urinating. This is not only irritating, but it could be a sign of a more serious condition. You may have an enlarged prostate that is pressing your urethra and causing you difficulties. It could also be an early symptom of prostate cancer.
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Erectile Dysfunction
Although it can be attributed to various factors, sometimes it is caused by early prostate cancer. If you experience erectile dysfunction often, without an obvious reason, we suggest you visit a doctor and check your prostate.
Advanced Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer
If left untreated, prostate cancer can spread to nearby organs or bones. It then causes various signs, but the problem is that those signs can be related to many other health issues so people sometimes don’t pay enough attention on them.
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Swelling In Pelvic Area
Many patients experience swelling in pelvic area or legs. This happens because prostate cancer can damage your lymph nodes which leads to accumulating the lymphatic fluid beneath your skin. Swelling can be caused by various mild and more serious conditions, but it is important to check your prostate as well, especially if you are more than 50 years old.
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Numbness In The Hips Or Legs
It was estimated that 20% of people who suffer from prostate cancer develop numbness in the hips or legs, at some point. In some cases, numbness is accompanied by tingling. Don’t ignore this symptom and if you have partial or complete lack of sensation in any body part, you should visit a doctor.
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Bone Pain
Many men experience bone pain, as a result of prostate cancer that has spread to the bones. Bone metastases could also lead to bone fractures and other severe conditions.
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Blood In Urine
Blood in urine is one of the scariest symptoms for many men. However, blood in urine can signalize many different conditions, from infection to more severe conditions. When it comes to prostate cancer, it could both be one of the earliest symptoms or an advanced symptom. Prostate cancer symptoms are different for every men. It is important to visit your doctor as soon as you see blood in urine, because he will be able to tell what is causing it.
There are many different symptoms of prostate cancer, but those symptoms can be sign of completely different conditions as well. However, it is important to have a routine screening on a regular basis. If you notice any of the symptoms such as blood in urine or difficulty urinating, don’t panic. It doesn’t have to be a prostate cancer. However, you shouldn’t ignore the symptoms and you should visit a doctor. Even if you have prostate cancer, the sooner you discover it, your recovery will be easier!
What Are Some Other Illnesses Prostate Cancer Can Be Confused For?
Prostate cancer symptoms can resemble other common illnesses, leading to confusion. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one such condition, causing an enlarged prostate and similar urinary symptoms. Prostatitis, an inflammation of the prostate, can also mimic prostate cancer with pain and difficulty urinating.
Bladder infections or urinary tract infections (UTIs) may cause similar urinary urgency and discomfort. Kidney stones, which cause pelvic pain and urination issues, can sometimes be mistaken for prostate cancer symptoms. Lastly, overactive bladder syndrome may present frequent urination, also found in prostate cancer cases. Proper diagnosis is essential to differentiate these conditions.
Is It Common For Young Men To Get Prostate Cancer?
It is uncommon for young men to get prostate cancer. Most cases occur in men over 50. However, younger men with a family history of prostate cancer or genetic factors may face a higher risk. Early-onset prostate cancer is rare, but it can happen. Regular check-ups and awareness of symptoms are crucial for early detection, especially if you’re in a high-risk group. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also help reduce the chances of developing prostate cancer later in life.
Follow These 6 Steps If You Think You May Have It!
- Consult your doctor immediately
If you’re experiencing symptoms, schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider for a professional evaluation. - Discuss your symptoms openly
Clearly explain any urinary issues, discomfort, or other changes to help your doctor understand your situation. - Request a PSA blood test
Your doctor may recommend a Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood test to measure levels that indicate prostate issues. - Undergo a digital rectal exam (DRE)
A DRE allows your doctor to feel for abnormalities in your prostate gland during a quick physical examination. - Follow up with further testing
If tests show irregularities, your doctor may order additional tests like biopsies or imaging for confirmation. - Explore treatment options
If diagnosed, discuss available treatment options, including surgery, radiation, or medication, with your healthcare team.
What Are the Early Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?
In the early stages, prostate cancer often has no noticeable symptoms. As it progresses, men may experience difficulty urinating, a weak urine stream, or frequent urination, especially at night. Early detection through screenings is essential, as symptoms may not appear until the cancer is more advanced.
Can Prostate Cancer Cause Pain?
Yes, prostate cancer can sometimes cause discomfort. Men may feel pain or a burning sensation during urination or ejaculation. Advanced prostate cancer can also lead to pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvic area due to cancer spreading beyond the prostate.
Does Prostate Cancer Cause Blood in Urine?
Blood in the urine or semen can be a symptom of prostate cancer, though it’s not always present. Any occurrence of blood should be evaluated by a healthcare professional, as it can indicate other underlying health issues as well.
Are Erectile Dysfunction and Prostate Cancer Related?
Prostate cancer can sometimes cause erectile dysfunction (ED). This may occur due to the cancer itself or as a side effect of treatments like surgery, radiation, or hormone therapy. If you experience ED along with other symptoms, consult your doctor for a comprehensive evaluation.
Can Prostate Cancer Cause Unintended Weight Loss?
In advanced stages, prostate cancer may cause unexplained weight loss and fatigue. These symptoms usually appear when cancer has spread to other parts of the body. If you experience sudden weight changes or persistent fatigue, it’s important to see a healthcare provider for further testing.