How do you know if you have a prostate cancer?

Prostate is a small gland located below the bladder in men and involve in the reproductive system. Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men. Generally prostate cancer grows slowly and limited to prostate gland. However, some types of cancer grow slowly and may require small treatment; few other types are aggressive and spread quickly. Early detection of prostate cancer (while it is limited to prostate gland) has a better chance of successful treatment.

In most of the cases, the symptoms of prostate cancer in early stage are not visible. Symptoms of prostate cancer can differ from person to person. As a result, routinely checkup is necessary and important.

Early warning signs of prostate cancer

Due to the closeness of the prostate gland to bladder and urethra, early stage symptoms can be noticeable with some urinary problems. The size and location of cancer may press urethra affect urine flow. Some of the most common prostate cancer symptoms include:

• Burning, irritation or pain while urination
• Hassle urinating, or start and stop urination
• Frequent urination call at night
• Less or no control over bladder
• Decreased force in urine stream
• Discomfort in the pelvic area
• Blood in urine
• Blood in semen
• Erectile dysfunction
• Painful ejaculation

Advanced prostate cancer symptoms

Cancer may spread to other organs and bones and form more tumor. If it reaches to spine, then it may press spinal nerves which lead to neurological problems and paralysis. Signs of metastatic prostate cancer may include:

• Swelling in legs or pelvic area
• Numbness or pain in legs, hips or feet
• Continuous bone pain, leads to fracture

When to see a doctor

After you know the symptoms are a signs of something serious, it’s time to meet the specialist of prostate cancer to get it diagnosed and start the earliest treatment to make it curable.

Cause of Prostate Cancer

Like all other types of cancers, it’s not easy to determine the exact reasons. Multiple factors may be involved including genetics and exposure to toxins, radiation or chemicals.

Mutation in the DNA(abnormal cells)or genetic material cause;abnormal grow and spread more quickly than normal cells do, until it forms tumour. Some aggressive type of cancerous cells leaves tumor part and spread to other parts of body.

Risk factors of prostate cancer

The risk factors which may influence chances of developing prostate cancer-

• Age – This cancer rarely affects young men and mainly occur in old age ranges 50+
• Race - black men have higher chances of developing prostate cancer than men of other races and have aggressive type of cancer.
• Family history – If your family had a history of prostate cancer, then you are more prone to be inherited that damaged DNA. A study shows about 5-10% of prostate cancer cases are caused due to inheridity.
• Diet - Even after a limited research, studies shows that the diet rich in meat and high fat dairy product may cause prostate cancer.
• Geographical location – Environmental and cultural factors may play a vital role, north India have a lower incidences of prostate cancer than south India. But vitamin D deficiency may also put your health at risk.

Some risk factors for aggressive prostate cancer

You may have higher chances of developing prostate, if you:

• Smoke
• Are obese
• Poor lifestyle
• Higher calcium consumption

Recurrent prostate cancer symptoms

When a cancer returns on the same place is considered as recurrent. When it returns to the prostate again, this is known as local recurrence. If the cancer cells spreads outside the prostate, it is most likely to damage nearby lymph nodes first then to liver, bones and lungs.

Increase in level of PSA is considered as the first sign of prostate cancer recurrent. Other symptoms depend on the area where these cancer spread and recurrent, common symptoms may include:

• Blood in urine
• Difficult urination
• Lower back pain
• Fatigue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Jaundice

After treatment or post operation care is also very important as it may help stop recurrent and regular PSA tests are required.

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