Prostate cancer (prostate cancer) - Symptoms

Certain symptoms of prostate cancer (prostate gland cancer) are the reason for a man to visit a urologist. By conducting a detailed analysis of complaints and signs, as well as additional research methods, the doctor makes or excludes a diagnosis of prostate cancer (prostate gland cancer).

Without a doubt, not only a medical specialist, but also any man should know about changes in the body that require special attention, and immediately consult a doctor to determine the causes of these changes.

Symptoms of prostate cancer (prostate cancer) in the early stages of the disease are not very pronounced and do not bother men, so they are often neglected (they do not pay attention or self-medicate), attributing the symptoms to another disease.

So, what are the symptoms of prostate cancer? What should a sick man and a doctor pay attention to?

Early stages of prostate cancer (prostate gland) development are usually asymptomatic, due to the pathological process occurring in the peripheral zones of the prostate. With the progression of prostate cancer and the increase in tumor size, external signs (symptoms) appear.

Symptoms of prostate cancer can be divided into three groups:

Symptoms of prostate cancer (prostate gland) that are associated with impaired urine outflow (infravesical obstruction). These symptoms appear when the prostate cancer compresses the urethra. This group includes:

• weak and intermittent urine stream,
• difficulty starting urination,
• a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder after urination,
• frequent urination
• urinary incontinence
• painful (imperative) urge to urinate

Symptoms of prostate cancer (prostate gland) that are associated with the growth of the cancerous tumor and its local spread beyond the prostate. These symptoms appear when the cancerous tumor reaches a significant size, grows through the capsule of the prostate gland and spreads to adjacent tissues. This group includes:

• the appearance of blood in the semen during ejaculation (so-called hemospermia)
• the appearance of blood in the urine (hematuria)
• urinary incontinence
• impotence (erectile dysfunction)
• pain in the pubic area and above the pubis, as well as in the perineum

Symptoms of prostate cancer (prostate gland) that are associated with the appearance of prostate cancer metastases (metastatic lesions of other organs and tissues of the body). These symptoms indicate an advanced form of prostate cancer and indicate a poor prognosis and patient survival. Metastasis in prostate cancer can manifest itself with the following symptoms:

• bone pain (often in the lumbar region, pelvic bones)
• swelling of the legs (the so-called lymphostasis - when the lymphatic vessels and veins are compressed by metastases)
• decreased strength in the lower limbs, sometimes even to the point of paralysis – due to compression of the spinal cord
• weight loss, sometimes very significant, up to severe cachexia
• severe anemia
• decreased appetite, fatigue, asthenia, lethargy, decreased exercise tolerance, drowsiness, enlarged lymph nodes

Thus, prostate cancer (prostate gland) is dangerous because in the early stages of development it does not manifest itself in any way or is disguised as other diseases of the genitourinary system (prostate adenoma, chronic prostatitis, cystitis, etc.). If you have found any of the above complaints, this is a reason to immediately make an appointment with a urologist.

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