Prostate Cancer Symptoms
The third most common cause of death is dueto prostate cancer and, therefore, it is mandatory for every man to be aware of the common symptoms of prostate cancer.Dale and his collegues note that African-American men (older than 60) are at higher risk of prostate cancer than whites,and also have aggressive forms. Tire plant workers, farmers, paintersand men who get exposed to chemical cadmium are at much higher risk.
Based on the progression and spreadof the cancer cells , prostate cancer is classified or staged .According to one system:
In Stage 1: the rate of cell growth is very less and is exclusively inside the prostate gland.
In Stage 2: the abnormal cancer cell growth is still limited to the the prostate gland, but is larger a in size forming a lump or hard area which can be felt by a physician, when a rectal examination is done.
Prostate Cancer Symptoms
In Stage 3: the cancer cells have spread beyond the prostate gland and may effect adjacent organs.
In Stage 4: the cancer has spread to other parts of the body and attacks the bones.
Some times in early stages of prostate cancer, no symptoms are found.
* Urine stream is weak
* Urinary dribbling
* Pain while passing urine
* Pain with ejaculation
* Unsatisfactory micturition
* Pain in abdomen
* Difficulty in retaining urine
Additional signs that may be associated with this disease and noticed by the physician:
* Increased frequency of urine at night
* Incontinence
* Bone tenderness
* Blood in urine
* Anemia
* weight loss
* Blood in semen
Signs as tests:
A digital rectal examination often reveals the hard, irregular surface of an enlarged prostate and is a crucial symptom of prostate cancer .
* In blood test PSA (prostate specific antigen) may be elevated.
* Urinalysis may show blood in the urine.
* Urine or prostatic fluid in microscopic examination may show atypical cells.
* A prostate biopsy confirms the diagnosis.
* CT scans may be performed to rule out metastasis (spread of the cancer to other organs and bones).
* A bone scan may be carried to rule out metastasis.
* Chest x-ray may rule out metastasis.
A advanced test called AMACR which is more sensitive than the PSA for determining the presence of prostate cancer and can add to be a major test, along with other symptoms of prostate cancer.