Symptoms And Investigations Related To Prostate Cancer

Posted by vivek choudhary on October 21st, 2019

Prostate cancer, one of the most common types of cancer found in men, occurs in the prostate, a small walnut-shaped gland in men that produces seminal fluid for nourishing and transporting sperm. Usually, prostate cancer grows at a slow pace and is limited to the prostate gland, where it may not cause any serious harm; however, some types of prostate cancer can get aggressive and spread rapidly. Be sure to get yourself treated at the top cancer hospital in Chandigarh.

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Most men usually don’t have any signs or symptoms when they have this cancer. It mainly depends on the way cancer grows. Symptoms can be found when cancer grows near the tube you urinate through (the urethra) and presses against it, changing the way you urinate. However, early prostate cancer doesn’t often press on the urethra and might not cause any symptoms.

Certain changes in the way you urinate are a likely sign of Prostate Cancer but this might be a symptom of other common non-cancerous problems such as enlarged prostate. Though, one must visit the best cancer hospital in Chandigarh to attain surety. 

Difficulty in urinating, an increase in the frequency of urination, and dribbling urine along with uneasiness in the bladder are a few of the common signs. Also, if prostate cancer spreads to other parts of the body (advanced prostate cancer), it can cause other symptoms, including:

• Back pain, hip pain or pelvic pain
• Problems getting or keeping an erection
• Blood in the urine or semen
• Unexplained weight loss.

These symptoms are really common and can be caused by other health problems but one must tell one's doctor about any symptoms to get the right treatment. 

Many medical organizations recommend men consider prostate cancer screening in their 50s or sooner for men who have risk factors for prostate cancer.

Investigations Related to Prostate Cancer

Once you find the symptoms pointing towards Prostate Cancer, you must consult the doctor as soon as possible. The following tests or investigations are generally suggested. 

• Digital rectal exam (DRE) - During a DRE, your doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into your rectum to examine your prostate to check the texture, shape, and size of the gland for any abnormalities. 

• Prostate-specific Antigen (PSA) tests- A blood sample is drawn for PSA, which is a substance that's naturally produced by your prostate gland. It is analyzed and if a higher than normal level of PSA is found, it may indicate prostate infection, inflammation, enlargement or cancer. 

Further tests are recommended by the Doctor if the DRE and PSA Tests detect an abnormality. 

• Ultrasound- Ultrasound is done to further evaluate your prostate. A small probe is inserted into your rectum which uses sound waves to create a picture of your prostate gland.
• Collecting a sample of prostate tissue- If initial test results suggest prostate cancer, a sample of cells from your prostate is collected and analyzed in a lab to determine whether cancer cells are present. 
• MRI fusion- MRI fusion is used to assist in prostate biopsy and diagnosis. 

One should remain careful and visit the cancer specialty hospitals in Chandigarh whenever similar symptoms are found. It should be treated before it becomes aggressive and spreads to other parts of the body as well.