Warning Signs Of Prostate Cancer You May Probably Be Ignoring

The prostate is a small gland found in a man’s lower abdomen. It’s located under the bladder and surrounding the urethra. It is one of the seminal vesicles whose function is to secrete seminal fluids that make up the constituents of semen. When an abnormal cell growth (tumor) forms in the prostate, it leads to a condition called "prostate cancer". 

The prostate cancer is a disease that usually affects men, especially adults that are 65 years old and above. In most cases, prostate cancer symptoms are usually not apparent in the early stages of the disease. However, symptoms varies for each man, and some of these symptoms may be caused by other conditions -that's why routine screenings in the form of digital rectal exams and prostate-specific androgen (PSA) tests are very important. The disease is categorized based on how fast it grows; aggressive/fast growing and nonaggressive/slow growing prostate cancer. 

The causes of this disease is not well established. A lot of things could lead to prostate cancer, including a family history or exposure to certain harmful chemicals. 

Prostate cancer does not usually show signs in their early stage. You can’t feel any growing tumor neither will you feel any pain. That is why people can live with it for many years without even knowing they have it. In order to know your status with the disease, regular prostate cancer screening test such as prostate-specific androgen (PSA) is often advised.  

Though the disease itself does not have any symptoms per se. However, you could feel the following symptoms because cancer growth is obstructing your prostate.

Blood in semen

Difficulty getting an erection (erectile dysfunction)

Painful ejaculation 

Frequent urge to urinate especially at night

Trouble starting or stopping a stream of urine

Leaking pee when you laugh or cough

Inability to pee while standing

Burning sensation when you pee

Less fluid when you ejaculate.

Loss of weight and appetite

Fatigue, nausea, or vomiting

Swelling of your lower limbs

Weakness or paralysis in your lower limbs, often with constipation and bowel problems

Swelling in legs or pelvic area

Numbness or pain in the hips, legs or feet

Bone pain that doesn’t go away, or leads to fractures 

Biopsy: In this procedure, a tissue sample is removed and examined for the presence of cancer cells. 

Imaging tests: Ultrasound, MRI and CT scan can help determine the size and stage of the cancer. 

Advanced genomic testing: This diagnosis is done at the genetic level by looking for abnormalities in the cancer's DNA. 

There are several treatment options available which will depend on few factors; your age, health status, and the stage of the cancer.

If the cancer is slow and nonaggressive, your doctor may recommend that you wait so that the disease can be carefully monitored in order to know the appropriate treatment, this is called active surveillance. 

However, if the cancer is more aggressive and a fast growing type, these forms of treatments below may be required. 

Surgery

Immunotherapy

Radiation

Hormone therapy

Chemotherapy

Stereotactic radiosurgery. 

Don't forget that prostate cancers have no warning signs in their early stage. So its very necessary to go for regular prostate cancer screening test PSA.