By: Gopal Gupta, MD
Did you know that about 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime? As the number one cancer diagnosed in men, you have a greater chance of getting it than nearly any other form of cancer. But the earlier you find it, the better the odds you will beat it.
Signs and Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
In its earliest stages, prostate cancer may not cause any symptoms. But early prostate cancer often causes problems with bladder function. Other common symptoms may include:
- Frequent urination
- Painful urination
- Difficulty passing urine
- Blood in urine
Some men with prostate cancer also have trouble achieving or maintaining an erection, or notice blood in their semen.
Symptoms of more advanced prostate cancer may include:
- Pelvic pain
- Bone pain
- Bone fractions
- Leg weakness
- Incontinence
Diagnosis of Prostate Cancer
A digital rectal exam is an important prostate cancer screening tool. During this exam, your doctor inserts a gloved finger into your rectum to check your prostate for lumps or abnormal swelling.
Depending on your age or other risk factors, your doctor may also recommend a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. This simple blood test helps measure the levels of substances created by the prostate gland. Elevated levels may suggest a problem with your prostate.
If your doctor suspects prostate cancer, he or she may recommend a prostate ultrasound. During this test, a doctor or technician inserts an ultrasound probe into your rectum to examine your prostate. Your doctor may also use a needle to take a tissue sample for a biopsy.
Treatment for Prostate Cancer
If you're diagnosed with prostate cancer, your doctor may refer you to a urologic oncologist physician who specializes in cancer treatment. The recommended treatment will depend on how advanced your prostate cancer is when diagnosed.
A robotic prostatectomy is commonly performed in otherwise healthy men with prostate cancer. Several different types of radiation may help destroy cancer cells. If your cancer is aggressive or has spread to other parts of the body, you may need hormonal therapy.