How to Identify the Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is a silent killer because the symptoms of prostate cancer are not obvious until the disease is in an advance stage or has spread beyond the prostate. Since most prostate cancer is a slow-growing tumor during its early stages, some people never experience symptoms of prostate cancer. However, sometimes there are early symptoms of prostate cancer, such as backaches, pelvis or hips pain that are caused by cancer cells have spread to the bones. As the prostate cancer advances, it enlarges and affects other organs; a doctor will then be able to detect the different symptoms of prostate cancer. At this stage, the common symptoms are urination problems. During the advanced stages of cancer, a patient may feel pain during orgasm and ejaculation, blood in urine and weight loss.

Since most symptoms of prostate cancer are similar to the symptoms of many other prostate disorders, it is best to seek medical attention and if necessary to take tests to check for possible tumors. Some of the tests can check for the symptoms of prostate cancer are digital rectal examination, PSA test and other laboratory tests to check the prostate's health.

Tests on Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

If you believe you are experiencing symptoms of prostate cancer, the best way to confirm is to take diagnostic exams... Prostate-specific antigen test (PSA test) and digital rectal exam (DRE) are two types of tests that detect the presence of prostate cancer.

A digital rectal exam can check if your prostate has tumors. The doctor will insert a gloved finger into your rectum to look for abnormalities, lumps or hard areas in the prostate which is just in front of the rectum. If the shape, size or texture of the prostate gland is not normal, further tests should be done.

A PSA test works by analyzing your blood sample and checking for level of prostate-specific antigen - a substance that your prostate gland produces. High levels of PSA may indicate prostate diseases, such as enlargement, infection or cancer

If prostate cancer is diagnosed, transrectal ultrasound and prostate biopsy are used to check on extent of the prostate cancer.

It is important to take a PSA test or DRE at least once a year to screen for prostate disease. This is particularly important for people who are at high risk of prostate cancer.

These people should also learn about the symptoms of prostate cancer in order to deal with it when it happens.

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