The Earliest Signs Of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is the second most common type of cancer found in men (skin cancer is first). The incidence of prostate cancer increases with age, and some people think that all men would eventually have prostate cancer if they lived long enough. As with all types of cancer, the best outcomes happen when the cancer is detected early, so it is important to know the signs of prostate cancer.

The earliest signs of prostate cancer are:

Difficulty urinating
Frequent urination, especially at night
Decreased flow and force of urinary stream

Unfortunately, these early signs of prostate cancer can be caused by other problems, such as acute or chronic prostatitis or benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). There is no specific warning sign or symptom\s of prostate cancer.

There are two tests doctors perform to aid in early detection of prostate cancer: a rectal exam (feeling the prostate gland through the rectum) and PSA (protein-specific antigen). Neither of these tests is specific, either.

If a man has urinary symptoms, an enlarged prostate or an elevated PSA, most physicians will refer him to a urologist for a biopsy of the prostate gland. This is the only surefire way to diagnose prostate cancer. Several biopsies are taken from different parts of the gland to make sure they don’t miss anything. Prostate biopsy can be done as an outpatient. The discomfort is usually minor, and most men are able to return to their normal activities within a day or two.

Since PSA testing has become available, prostate cancer is being detected and treated earlier. Early treatment options, such as brachytherapy, have fewer serious side effects than more aggressive treatments, and the treatment is more successful.

By: Dean Iggo

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Dean Iggo is the webmaster of a website on prostate health providing prostatitus advice for everything from an enlarged prostate to prostate cancer.