Prostate cancer is a very common form of cancer that affects men after a certain age. Most men develop prostate problems after the age of 50 and many of them die due to late detection of the cancer. Tumors of the prostate are difficult to diagnose in the initial stages as the symptoms are generally neglected by men and mostly confused with other symptoms associated with old age.
Just like any other cancer, prostate cancer too offers hope to patients and treatment methods become more effective when the diagnosis is made early. This is why it is of utmost importance to know the symptoms of prostate cancer so that treatment methods can be charted out early on and the life of the patient saved as well.
We will now discuss early prostate cancer symptoms below.
1. Bladder problems
One of the common symptoms associated with prostate cancer is a definite change in urination patterns. The tumor can block and put pressure on the bladder causing painful and very difficult urination. The symptoms can be mild or very severe depending on the stage of cancer and sometime urination can be completely blocked due to the tumor growth.
2. Bloody urine
Blood in urine must be taken very seriously as this is the first indication that something is seriously wrong. However, you need not worry too much until your results arrive. Blood in urine can be an indication of some other bacterial infections such as urinary tract infection. But these symptoms cannot be ignored and must be immediately reported to the doctor.
3. Erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction can be caused due to a medley of reasons and prostate cancer is one of them. This is why it gets ignored most of the time. Most men with prostate cancer find it difficult to attain as well as retain an erection. Ejaculation too becomes a very painful process. As prostate is an important part of the male reproductive system, any problem that affects the prostate will affect the entire function of the sexual organs as well.
4. Swollen legs
Swollen legs are definite symptoms of cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes. In the case of prostate cancer, the cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes affect the function of the lymphatic system, thereby causing water retention and swelling in the legs. There would also be accompanying pain in the groin, buttocks, lower abdomen and hips due to the spread of cancer to these areas.
5. Pelvic problems
Severe pain as well as general discomfort in the pelvic region that is persistent must be associated with prostate cancer. This arises due to the swollen lymph nodes that exert pressure on the pelvic area, disturbing the nerves and causing pain.
If you face any of these symptoms on a regular basis, it is recommended that you see a doctor without fail to assess your health condition without wasting time. Early diagnosis of prostate cancer can bring about complete cure in most cases.
