Prostate Cancer: Early Signs and Symptoms

The American Cancer Society estimates that prostate cancer will cause over 33,330 deaths in the United States this year alone. This deadly form of cancer is more likely to occur in African Americans and older men over 65 years of age. Overall, a male’s lifetime risk of developing prostate cancer is about 1 in 9. This article discusses the early signs and symptoms of prostate cancer, as catching the disease early is the key to successful treatment.

What Is Prostate Cancer?

The prostate is a small gland just below the bladder, found only in men, which is responsible for producing some of the fluid that makes up semen. Cancer of the prostate occurs when cells inside this gland mutate and begin to reproduce, forming a malignant tumor. Despite being a serious disease, prostate cancer is highly treatable when caught before it has spread to other areas of the body.

Types

More than 95% of prostate cancer cases are adenocarcinomas. This type of cancer originates in glandular tissue. Prostate adenocarcinomas can be further split into two categories: acinar adenocarcinomas and ductal adenocarcinoma. The former occurs in the lining of the gland, while the latter develops in the ducts and tubes. Ductal tumors can be harder to detect and usually spread faster than acinar tumors.

Rarer types of prostate cancer are:

• Sarcomas – soft tissue cancer more common in men aged 35 to 60
• Neuroendocrine tumors (carcinoids) – hormone secreting tumors that usually develop in the digestive tract, later spreading to the prostate
• Small cell carcinoma – the most aggressive and deadly form of prostate cancer, responsible for less than 1% of cases

Early Signs and Symptoms

Most prostate cancer sufferers experience few serious symptoms when the disease first develops. Some early warning signs of prostate cancer include:

• Difficulty urinating
• The feeling that your bladder has not properly emptied
• Needing to urinate more frequently
• The sudden need to urinate
• Leaking urine after you have finished urinating

In cases where cancer has spread beyond the prostate, patients may also experience blood in the urine or semen, erectile disfunction, pain in the lower abdomen, and unexplained weight loss.

Treatment Options

Prostate cancer treatment options vary based on the health and age of the patient, and how far the disease has advanced. Many prostate cancers are extremely slow-growing and may be suitable for “active surveillance”. In these instances, treatment would be delayed in order to maintain quality of life for as long as possible, while your doctor keeps a close eye on tumor development. Other treatment options include:

• Surgery – This may involve removing the entire prostate or a complete orchiectomy (removal of both testicles)
• Radiotherapy
• Chemotherapy

Testosterone suppression therapy is another common treatment option, which is designed to slow down or halt prostate tumor growth.

When to Contact Your Doctor

Book an exam with your general practitioner as soon as possible if you notice any change in urination habits. If you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, your doctor will be able to devise a treatment plan best suited to your condition and lifestyle.