Prostate cancer is one of the major types of cancer that occurs in men (older men more) among the elderly men especially of 65+ years. Tissue damage caused by toxins or other pollutants may not show any symptoms in the initial stages, but timely diagnostics and relevant treatment can be a life savior. This article will review the common symptoms that may help detect prostate cancer, which, in turn, will encourage men to take action in regulating their health and to address any urgent medical concerns on time.

Understanding the Prostate

The prostate is a small gland of a walnut shape which is located under the bladder and surrounds the top of the tube, i.e. the urethra, in the male body. It performs a main task of delivering seminal fluid, which after an ejaculation not only keeps sperm but also transports it. As men grow older, the prostate gland, which contains a number of small cells, can become increasingly enlarged. This is a common condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and although it is not cancer, it can sometimes cause urinary problems.

Urinary Symptoms

The Best Cancer Hospital in Vijayawada opines that sometimes difficulty in urination, an urgent need to urinate at night are one of the most noticeable symptoms of prostate cancer.These symptoms may include:

• Urination or the difficulty of starting or stopping the urine stream flow in some people while urgency to urinate in frequently without warning can be devastating and may be embarrassing.
• The urinary system can be affected in two ways: either the urinary flow can weaken or it can be interrupted at any point.
• One of the most common symptoms of the disease is frequent night urinations.
• Urgent need to urinate
• Failure of bladder distention to the limit and failure to empty it completely.

These urinary symptoms could be caused by non-malignant diseases, too, such as prostata aggrandizement (BPH) or UTI (urinary tract infection). Nevertheless, if they last long or intensify over the course of time you must definitely consider a specialist’s opinion to get some additional evaluation of their health condition.

Hemosiderin of the urine or of the semen.

The blood in the urine (hematuria) or semen (hematospermia) present can stir up serious alarm bells of prostate cancer. Though these symptoms might as well be a queer sign of a urinary tract infection or prostate inflammation, it is key to take medical care as soon as possible.

Erectile Dysfunction

Prostate cancer may affect sexual function causing impotence as well as there may be other related issues of sexual performance.  Erectile malfunction frequently might signify a health condition beforehand, such as prostate cancer. 

Pelvic or Lower Back Pain

The Best Cancer Hospital in Hyderabad opines that since prostate cancer can advance resulting eventually in aching or being uncomfortable in the pelvic area, within the lower back or near the rectum. This discomfort is either differential or more constant which might grow over time. Keep an eye on it if the problem doesn't disappear soon or gets worse. So the best course of action would be to seek an appointment with a physician to find out the reason for your pain.

Bone Pain

In the late stages, the prostate cancer cells can migrate to different parts of the body especially to the skeletal parts, and this is known as metastasis. If the cancer cells invade the bones, there will be bone pain, which usually occurs in the hips, lumbar region or wherever the affliction spreads. 

Unexplained Weight Loss

Sometimes, it is known that loss of unexpected weight is linked with the case of prostate cancer in its most advanced form. If you go through big weight loss without experimenting with your food regimen and your sports routine, it is essential to visit a doctor to know the reason.

General Weakness or Fatigue

Prostate cancer may have profound terminal stages that can in its worst cases do that to the patient involving such symptoms of weakness and fatigue. It is key to consult your health provider immediately in case you feel weary or unable to do certain activities due to this, since it might be a symptom of a serious illness similar to prostate cancer.

The Importance of Regular Screening

Another important thing to know is that this type of cancer is rarely symptomatic while still in its early stages and shows symptoms only in its later stages. Therefore, it is screening that will make the difference in detecting early. 

Screening Methods

The primary screening methods for prostate cancer include:

Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): The physician inserts the gloved and well-lubricated (much as in speculum for genital exam) finger in the anal canal to give the doctor a chance to feel the prostate manually for the irregularities or any kinds of abnormal changes.

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: The primary task of this blood test is when the PSA levels are compared to the levels of this protein, which is produced by the epithelial cells of the prostate glands. With High PSA levels, an individual is most probably conducive to prostate cancer, but many different disease conditions may also be the reasons for an apparent elevation of the PSA level.

In case the screening has abnormal numbers, doing more diagnostic tests could be advised like prostate biopsies.

Don't Ignore the Signs

It is true that at the beginning of prostate cancer the symptoms could not be too remarkable and it may even be absent but it will be a big mistake to overlook the existence of any persistent or ever increasing symptoms. Early detection and timely treatment can be of great help to minimizing disease burden and many sufferers can recover.

When you encounter at least one of the following symptoms or you're afraid that you may have a prostate problem, don't worry about it, but make a doctor's appointment to get medical help. Doctors can explain to you what needs to be done and direct you to the right screenings and diagnostic procedures, and to any problems that are taken care of as soon as they arise.

Besides, don't forget keeping yourself informed on what is going on with your prostate can make a big difference for your health.