How To Detect Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer

The reason for calling prostate cancer a "silent killer" is that the symptoms of prostate cancer do not show up until the disease spreads out. Some people never face any of the symptoms of prostate cancer in the early stages of the disease because the prostate cancer is a very slow growing tumor. Early symptoms of prostate cancer, like hip and pelvis pain or back ache caused by cancer cells which spread to the bones easily, are seen in rare cases of aggressive tumors. The doctor will be able to zero in on the various symptoms of prostate cancer associated commonly with urination as the cancer grows, enlarges and influences other organs. Dribbling of urine after urination, urination in sleep, presence of blood in urine, difficulty in urination, weak or intermittent flow of urine, weight loss and pain during ejaculation and orgasm are experienced when the cancer reaches the advanced stages.

It makes more sense to seek medical attention and get the laboratory tests performed to identify any presence of tumor because; most symptoms of prostate cancer resemble other serious problems related to the prostate. Most people who get the digital rectal examination, prostate specific antigen test and other kind of laboratory tests performed are able to identify the symptoms of prostate cancer in a very early stage.

Tests Used to Spot Prostate Cancer

If your doctor believes you to be in a high risk category for tumor development in the prostate gland then the best way to handle it would be to take regular diagnostic exams. Two kinds of tests are available to you. While the first kind determines if a person has prostate cancer the second kind will help identify the stage at which the cancer has already developed to at the time of diagnosis. Prostate specific antigen (PSA) test and digital rectal examination (DRE) are the tests performed to detect the prostate cancer. To further assess the prostate cancer a transrectal ultrasound or prostate biopsy has to be performed.

The PSA tests measures the level of prostate specific antigen level in the blood. A high level of this antigen, produced by the prostate gland, indicates to the presence of some problem with the prostate gland, like an infection, cancer or enlargement. The tumors in the prostate can also be identified by a digital rectal examination. The location of the prostate gland being right in front of the rectum, a doctor can easily find any abnormality, hardness or lumps in it by inserting a lubricated, gloved finger into your rectum and inspecting. Further tests will be conducted if there is any abnormality regarding your prostate gland's shape, texture or size.

Better safe than sorry, so it makes more sense to get the regular prostate examinations performed rather than waiting for the symptoms of the prostate cancer to show up, especially if you are among the people who are at high risk of getting a prostate cancer.

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