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How to Detect Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer is considered a silent killer because symptoms of prostate cancer are not present until the disease has actually spread. Since most prostate cancer is a slow-growing tumor during its early stages, some people never experience problems or symptoms from the tumor. However, occasional incidents of aggressive tumors provide early symptoms of prostate cancer, such as backaches, pelvis or hips pain that are usually caused by cancer cells that quickly spread to the bones.

As the prostate cancer advances, enlarges and affects other organs, your doctor will be able to pinpoint the different symptoms of prostate cancer, which are commonly associated with urination problems. During the advanced stages of cancer, a patient may feel pain during orgasm and ejaculation, dribbling after urination, difficulty to urinate, blood in urine, weight loss, nocturnal urination and a weak flow of urine.

Since most symptoms of prostate cancer are similar to other more serious disorders of the prostate, it is best to seek medical attention and take laboratory exams to check for possible tumors. Most patients who spot the symptoms of prostate cancer at an early stage are those who took a digital rectal examination, PSA test and other laboratory tests to check the prostate’s health.

Tests Used to Spot Prostate Cancer

If you believe you have higher risks of developing tumors in your prostate gland, the best way to detect prostate cancer is to take diagnostic exams. There are two kinds of tests – one is to determine whether a person has prostate cancer and the other to examine the stage of your prostate tumor once diagnosed with the disease. Prostate-specific antigen test (PSA test) and digital rectal exam (DRE) are two types of tests that detect prostate cancer. On the other hand, Transrectal ultrasound and prostate biopsy are two lab exams that further evaluate the prostate cancer.

A PSA test works by analyzing your blood sample and checking for prostate-specific antigen levels – a substance that your prostate gland produces. High levels of PSA may indicate any prostate disease, such as enlargement, infection or cancer. A digital rectal exam can also be used to trace if your prostate has tumors. Since your prostate gland is located in front of the rectum, a doctor will insert a gloved finger into your rectum to look for abnormalities, lumps or hard areas in the prostate. If the size, shape or texture of your prostate gland is not normal, further tests should be done.

Since it is not practical to wait for symptoms of prostate cancer to arise, it is important to take a PSA or DRE test at least once a year to ensure a healthy prostate. This is particularly important to people who have high risks of prostate cancer.