Symptoms and Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer

Prostate: It is an exocrine gland of male reproductive system which exists directly beneath the bladder and in front of rectum. An exocrine gland is one whose secretions last up outside the body, for example the prostate gland and the sweat glands. Prostate is approximately in the size of a walnut. The urethra, a tube which is connected from the bladder to the end of the penis carrying urine and semen out of the body - go through the prostate.

Prostate Cancer: In majority of the cases, the prostate cancer starts in gland cells which are called adenocarcinoma. Prostate cancer is very common in men over 50, especially in the men who eat fatty food or have any male family person with prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is typically a very slow progressing disease. It is diagnosed only when an autopsy is made and then only doctors come to conclude it was there. Studies revealed that possibly 80% of men in their eighties had this cancer when they died, but it was unknown even to the doctor. Experts say, prostate cancer begins with a tiny alteration in shape and size of prostate gland cells - Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia (PIN). Take advice from the best Cancer Doctor in India.

Prostate cancer symptoms:

1.       Urinary symptoms for prostate cancer

As per the closeness of the prostate gland in relation with bladder and urethra, prostate cancer may be lead by variety of urinary symptoms. Depending on the tumor size and location, it may press on and compress the urethra, obstructing the urine flow. Some of the prostate cancer signs which relates to urination include:

-          Burning sensation or pain while passing urine

-          Difficulty while urinating, or a trouble like starting and stopping while urinating

-          Frequent urge to urinate specifically at night

-          Loss of urinary bladder control

-          Reduced flow or velocity of the urine stream

-          Blood in the urine (hematuria)

2.       Other prostate cancer signs & symptoms

Prostate cancer has the capability of spreading into nearby tissues or bones. If it s the case and if the cancer spreads to spine, it may force down on the spinal nerves. Few of other prostate cancer symptoms include:

-          Blood in the semen

-          Complexity getting an erection (which leads to erectile dysfunction)

-          Pain or discomfort during the ejaculation

-          Enlargement in legs or pelvic area

-          Lack of sensation or pain in hips, legs or even feet

Diagnosis of the Prostate cancer:

Initially, doctor will has to determine whether the patient’s troubles are due to BPH, prostate cancer, prostatitis or some other cause. The doctor may ask for following tests:

-          Digital Rectal Examination (DRE)

DRE is done by a doctor, wearing a rubber gloves and inserts their finger into anus in order to examine the feel of the prostate through the wall of the rectum. The doctor checks and examines the size, shape and the hardness of the prostate.

-          Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)

PSA which is a small protein released into the blood by prostate and if the quantity of PSA in blood is above the normal, it is termed to be an enlarged prostate or prostatitis. If it is high, then it is more likely due to prostate cancer. This PSA doesn’t diagnose the cancer but it indicates any such abnormalities in the prostate gland. One can’t only rely on PSA test but other tests are also needed.

-          Biopsy

It is the process of removing of very small pieces of the prostate tissue with the help of fine needle. Firstly anesthetic is given and several samples are taken. Many men say it is too mild and discomfort. The collection is then looked under the microscope to check whether cancer cells are present or not. A biopsy is the only option in showing whether the prostate cancer is present or not in some cases.

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