Early symptoms of prostate cancer

Early symptoms of prostate cancer may include difficulty urinating, frequent urination and urgency, thin urine stream, hematuria, and pain in the pelvic area. Prostate cancer is a common malignant tumor in the male reproductive system. Its early symptoms are often similar to benign prostatic hyperplasia and are easily ignored.

1. Difficulty urinating

Early-stage prostate cancer may cause pressure on the urethra, causing difficulty in urinating, interruption of urine flow, or post-urinary dripping. This is related to the gradual growth of the tumor that compresses the urethra. Dysuria often worsens at night and may be accompanied by a burning sensation while urinating. Patients need to undergo prostate-specific antigen testing and digital rectal examination in a timely manner. After diagnosis, radical prostatectomy or radiotherapy can be selected.

2. Frequent urination and urgent urination

Tumor irritation of the bladder neck can cause urinary urgency and increased frequency of urination, especially at night. The patient may need to urinate every hour, but the amount of urine produced each time is small. This situation needs to be differentiated from urinary tract infection, and transrectal ultrasonography can be performed if necessary. Alpha-blockers such as tamsulosin sustained-release capsules can be used to relieve symptoms.

3. Urine flow becomes thinner

When prostate cancer progresses, the urethra is squeezed, which will cause the urine flow to become thinner, shorter, and in severe cases, dripping. The condition often worsens gradually and may be accompanied by a delay in the onset of urination. Patients need to undergo uroflowmetry and MRI examination, and brachytherapy or cryoablation can be selected for early diagnosis.

4. Hematuria

Gross hematuria or microscopic hematuria may occur when the tumor invades the urethra or bladder mucosa, and hematuria may occur intermittently. This situation needs to be differentiated from urinary tract stones and cystoscopy should be performed. Hemostatic drugs such as Yunnan Baiyao Capsules can be used for treatment, but surgery or endocrine therapy is required to target the primary lesion.

5. Pelvic pain

When advanced prostate cancer metastasizes to the pelvis, there will be persistent dull pain that may radiate to the lumbosacral area. The pain is worse at night when lying down and may be relieved after activity. This situation suggests the possibility of bone metastasis and requires a bone scan. For treatment, alendronate sodium tablets can be used to prevent bone-related events, and docetaxel chemotherapy can be performed at the same time.

Men over 40 years old should undergo prostate-specific antigen screening every year. If the above symptoms occur, they need to seek medical treatment promptly. In daily life, you should avoid sitting for long periods of time. Moderate exercise such as brisk walking or swimming can help improve pelvic blood circulation. You can increase foods rich in antioxidants such as tomatoes and green tea in your diet, and reduce the intake of red meat and high-fat diets. Smoking cigarettes and limiting alcohol can help reduce the risk of prostate cancer. Maintaining a regular schedule and a good attitude are equally important to prostate health, and avoid holding in urine and overexertion.