Early Warning Signs: Understanding Prostate Cancer Symptoms & Treatments

Prostate cancer is among the most prevalent cancers that affect men. Although prostate cancer rarely produces any symptoms at the early stages, there are still a few signs that may signal something is wrong in the prostate gland. 

What is prostate cancer?

Prostate cancer is an unwanted cell growth that originates in the prostate. The prostate gland aids in the production of semen. It is located just beneath the bladder in the male reproductive system. Prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer. It is usually discovered early, but it often grows slowly. Prostate cancer is generally curable.

If diagnosed early, prostate cancer patients may have a wide range of treatment choices to choose from. These treatments may include surgery, radiation therapy, or closely monitoring the prostate cancer to see whether it spreads. 

There are also several treatment options available if the cancer spreads or develops outside the prostate. Curing prostate cancer that spreads might be more challenging. Even in cases when there is no cure, medicines can prolong your life by slowing the cancer's progression.

Symptoms of prostate cancer:

Symptoms of prostate cancer may not appear at an early stage. Yet, prostate cancer is typically discovered sooner if the cancer has only spread within the prostate. Early-stage prostate cancer signs and symptoms are:

Urinary symptoms:

• Blood in the urine that gives it a pink or red appearance.

• The semen contains blood.

• Having more frequent urination.

• Having pain while urinating

• waking up more frequently during the night to go pee

Erectile symptoms:

• Painful ejaculation

• Decreased volume of ejaculation

• Difficulty achieving or maintaining ejaculation

Two other potential early indicators of prostate cancer include unexplained soreness around the prostate when sitting and abnormally weak urine flow. If the cancer has spread outside of the prostate gland, it may cause back, hip, or bone discomfort, lower body swelling, irregular bowel or urine patterns, or inexplicable weight loss.

When to see a doctor?

It is important to note that many other, less dangerous illnesses exhibit the same symptoms as prostate cancer. If you are exhibiting one or more of these symptoms doesn’t necessarily mean that you have prostate cancer.  Similarly, it is also possible that none of these symptoms may be present in a man with prostate cancer. It is best to get yourself tested for prostate cancer if you feel any discomfort in the prostate area. 

Particularly as people age, erectile dysfunction is somewhat frequent. It can also result from conditions like smoking or heart disease that are unrelated to prostate cancer. Dehydration or dietary changes may be the cause of experiencing less fluid during ejaculation.

It's important to monitor your symptoms and assess what is normal or abnormal for your particular body. You should talk to your primary care physician if a certain symptom is causing you anxiety or is affecting your relationship.

Tests done for diagnosis:

Prostate cancer cannot be diagnosed with a single test. Your doctor can do several tests to determine whether you have a prostate issue. Among the primary tests are:

• A urine test to check urine infection

• A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test

• A digital rectal examination (DRE)

Before these tests are conducted, your doctor should go over the benefits and drawbacks of each test with you. They can provide you with additional information about prostate cancer and how likely it is that you will acquire it. You are responsible for having the tests, so make sure you get all the information you want and allow yourself enough time to consider your options.

Prostate cancer stages:

The cancer's stage is determined by your doctor based on the outcomes of your tests and procedures. The stage of the cancer provides your physician with information about the cancer's size and rate of growth.

Your healthcare provider considers the following characteristics when determining the stage of your prostate cancer:

• How much cancer has spread in the prostate

• Whether the cancer has grown beyond the prostate, such as the rectum, bladder, or other areas.

• If the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes

• If the cancer has spread to the other parts of the body

• The amount of PSA in the blood 

There are 4 stages in prostate cancer, the lower number being a smaller stage:

• Stage 1:  It means the cancer is small and is only in the prostate. The PSA level is low.

• Stage 2: Stage 2 is further integrated into 2A, 2B, and 2C. This stage of prostate cancer means that the cancer is small and affects only one side of the prostate. The PSA level is intermediate.

• Stage 3: Stage 3 is also divided into three categories: 3A, 3B, and 3C. This means that cancer has spread on both sides of the prostate and the PSA level is high. 

• Stage 4: This stage means that the prostate cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. 

Effective treatments for prostate cancer:

Treatments for prostate cancer include medication, radiation therapy, and surgery. Medications used for the treatment of prostate cancer include hormone treatment, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy. Prostate cancer may occasionally be treated using alternative therapies. These might include taking medication that delivers radiation directly to the cancer cells and undergoing ablation treatment, which uses heat or cold to damage the cancer cells.

When developing a treatment plan for prostate cancer, your healthcare team takes several factors into account. They check your cancer's size, growth rate, and whether it has spread. 

1. Active surveillance: 

Active surveillance includes routine PSA testing and biopsies to keep a close eye on the cancer. This method is advised for individuals with low-risk prostate cancer that is not expected to spread rapidly. It assists in delaying needless therapies and their negative consequences on the health of a person until the cancer begins to develop.

2. Surgery:

A radical prostatectomy is a surgical procedure in which the prostate gland is removed. This frequently works for cancers that are limited to the prostate. Advancements in surgical techniques like robotic-assisted surgery have shortened recovery time and improved results.

3. Radiation therapy:

In radiation treatment, high-energy rays are used to destroy cancer cells. It can be internal (brachytherapy), in which radioactive seeds are inserted straight into the prostate. It can also be external, in which radiation is directed from outside the body. Radiation treatment can potentially benefit both localized and advanced cancers. 

4. Hormone therapy:

Hormone treatment helps reduce the levels of male hormones(androgens), such as testosterone, that can promote the development of prostate cancer cells. Cancers that have spread outside of the prostate are frequently treated with this method.

5. Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy boosts the immune system's ability to combat cancer, whereas chemotherapy employs medications to destroy cancer cells. These methods are used to treat advanced prostate cancer that has progressed to other areas of the body.

6. Focal therapy:

Focal treatment is a recent method that preserves more of the prostate and destroys only the area that is affected by cancer. Men with low-risk cancer that hasn't spread can use this method.

Coping and support:

When you first receive the news of prostate cancer, you may experience a range of emotions. People find it hard to accept and go into extreme sadness. With time, each person figures out a way to cope with prostate cancer. Here are a few ways you can try:

• Learn about the condition enough to feel comfortable.

• Find a good support system who are there for you.

• Connect with other cancer survivors.

• Take care of your well-being mentally and physically.

• Continue sexual expression.

Conclusion:

Living with prostate cancer constantly requires monitoring and care. Following up with medical professionals regularly is essential for managing symptoms and modifying therapies as necessary. Furthermore, leading a healthy lifestyle that incorporates regular exercise and a balanced diet can help control side effects and enhance general well-being.