Obiaks Blog

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. 

Causes of 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. 

Early Signs of Prostate Cancer
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.  

Symptoms of prostate cancer
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.

Symptoms of advanced prostate cancer
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 

Diagnosing and treating prostate cancer
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. 

Treatments Of Prostate Cancer
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.