What Are The Early Warning Signs Of Prostate Cancer
An uncurbed production of cells in the prostate gland of males is called prostate cancer, which is accompanied by a host of varying symptoms.
Since the urethra and the prostate glands lie near one another, and the urethras primary responsibility is urinary functions many symptoms of prostate cancer can merely be underlying urinary issues . The malignancy of the tumor may expand and squeeze the urethra, thus disrupting the urine flux. The phase of malignant growth itself can fluctuate now since it would be contingent upon where in the body the tumor is developing and what size it has reached. Some early signs signifying the advancement of prostate cancer can include the following:
- A burning sensation or sharp pain while urinating
- Issues during urination especially in starting or stopping the flow
- Recurring need to urinate at nighttime
- Little or no control of the bladder
- Bleeding during urination
- Issues with having an erection or a complete failure of having one
Can Prostate Issues Cause Sciatica
There is no direct link between prostate issues and sciatica. However, the two conditions can be related in indirect ways. For example, an enlarged prostate can press against the bladder and cause urinary retention. This can lead to nerve damage and inflammation, which can in turn cause sciatica. In addition, prostate cancer can spread to the bones and compress the sciatic nerve. While prostate issues are not a direct cause of sciatica, they can contribute to the development of the condition.
It is the fourth true vertebrae in the spine, located above L5 in the back. As a result of L4, both conditions can cause nerve root irritation, resulting in lower back pain. This vertebra has been linked to a variety of conditions such as lumbago, prostate problems, painful urination, and a lack of urination. Deep seated anger and resentment develop as a result of childhood feelings not being felt by the child. It is possible that you will feel disempowered while intimacy with your partner. The re-ignition of this area assists us in being able to handle and process these emotions in ways that allow healing and a renewed sense of goodness to come back into our lives.
Natural Treatment Options For Prostate Pain
As prostate pain is associated with all three conditions like prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis so it is good to find some natural remedies for such prostate troubles. Although, medical science has developed several medications and treatment solutions for this condition but natural therapies are always the most trustworthy options. The major reason behind using home based remedies is that they do not lead to any side effect so person can stay safe.
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More Than Just Leg Pain
It wasnt until a sleepless night at a sports camp in Arizona that Whitmore says she knew something was seriously wrong. I couldnt sleep, and I was having a ton of sciatic nerve pain. I usually had it when I drove a long time or sat too longit was more annoying than anything.
The next morning she decided to try to go for a jog, and the pain immediately became excruciating. She opted instead to ride her bike, hoping that would ease the pain. Once I got on my bike I was in so much pain I was bawling. I flew back home to go to a nearby hospital. I knew whatever was going on was bad if I couldnt ride my bike. Whitmore never thought her leg pain could be cancerthe worst she thought it could be was a pulled a muscle.
After scans showed a grapefruit-sized mass near her ovary, she was referred to an obstetrician who performed an exploratory laparoscopy. He said he thought it was cancer, but I began to bleed out during surgery, so he was unable to retrieve a sample to biopsy. As her pain continued to increase, so did other symptoms. I wasnt able to use the restroom without pain I was bed-ridden, unable to walk. No one could tell me exactly what was wrong.
Courtesy Jamie Whitmore
Drugs To Strengthen The Bones
Treatment for bone pain is usually reserved for men with advanced prostate cancer. IF you have advanced prostate cancer, its likely youre already receiving cancer drugs to treat the cancer directly. For bone pain specifically, Filson says bisphosphonates are the usual course of treatment. Cancer drugs that lower testosterone can weaken bones, and doctors prescribe bisphosphonates to help reverse the process.
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What Should I Do If I Have Pain
Let your doctor or nurse know about any pain you have as soon as possible. The earlier you ask for help, the easier it will be to get your pain under control. With the right treatment and management, your doctor and nurse should be able to help you control your pain.
Dont think that you are complaining too much or that you should put up with pain. You shouldnt have to accept pain as a normal part of having cancer. Pain will affect your daily life if it isnt properly controlled.
As well as treatments, there are things you can do yourself that might help with your pain.
What questions might my doctor or nurse ask about my pain?
Your doctor or nurse will ask you questions about your pain to try to get as much information about it as possible. This will help them work out the best treatment for you. They might ask you the following questions.
- Where is your pain?
- What does it feel like? For example, is it a stabbing pain, or a dull ache?
- When did the pain start? How often do you get it? How long does it last?
- Does it wake you at night?
- Does anything help?
- Have you tried any pain-relieving medicines? Did they help?
- Does anything make it worse?
- How does your pain make you feel? For example, do you feel anxious or depressed? Does this affect the pain?
- How does the pain affect your daily life?
When To See A Doctor
Anyone who has already received a prostate cancer diagnosis and begins to experience recurring back pain should see a doctor as soon as possible. Unexplained back pain can indicate that cancer has spread.
People with back pain who are concerned about the risk of prostate cancer should speak to their doctors.
Prostate cancer often causes no symptoms in the early stages. According to the National Cancer Institute , the most common method of detecting this cancer in the United States is prostate-specific antigen screening.
Levels of this protein increase when the prostate is dealing with irritation, swelling, or the growth of cancerous cells.
most often occurs due to prostate cancer or breast cancer spreading to the spine.
A magnetic resonance imaging or computerized axial tomography scan will show any damage or disease affecting the discs, ligaments, and other soft tissues that may result from metastasized prostate cancer.
Doctors can also diagnose bone metastases using a bone scan. This involves injecting a small amount of radioactive dye into a vein. The technician then scans a personâs body with a special camera, and the dye helps reveal bone damage that may result from cancer.
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Radiotherapy To The Prostate
Some men who have just been diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer may be offered external beam radiotherapy as part of their first treatment. This is where high-energy X-ray beams are directed at the prostate from outside the body. The X-ray beams damage the cancer cells and stop them from dividing and growing. Read more about radiotherapy for advanced prostate cancer.
Radiotherapy to the prostate isnt suitable for all men with advanced prostate cancer. If it isnt suitable for you, you might be offered a type of radiotherapy to help manage symptoms instead.
Pain In Your Hips And Upper Thighs
In addition swelling in your lower body, pain in your hips or upper thighs can also be potential symptoms of prostate cancer, according to Robert J. Cornell, MD, a urologist in Houston, Texas. And for other discomforts you should address with your doctor, check out 25 Common Pains You Should Never Ignore.
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Pain In The Back Or Hips
Many times, prostate cancer pain occurs around the lower spinal cord and hips. This a result of the prostate being in close proximity to these regions.
Cancer in the hips will cause bones to become brittle and weak. The result is consistent soreness, especially when bending over or exercising.
Prostate cancer can also put pressure on the spine. The compression of the nerves causes a dull pain that can become stabbing as the cancer grows.
If youve been experiencing severe pain in the back or hips even without engaging in rigorous activities during the day, its best if you get yourself checked. Aside from being one of the most common signs of prostate cancer, severe pain in the back and hips can take a toll on your daily activities, and prevent you from becoming productive during the day. Pain in the back and hips can also adversely affect your mobility, making it very challenging for you to move.
Prostate Cancer And Incontinence
Incontinence the inability to control urine flow is a common side effect of all therapies directed at the prostate gland. Most patients do eventually regain complete urinary control. Exercises to strengthen the sphincter and surrounding pelvic muscles can help you regain urinary control. These are called Kegel exercises. A training program called biofeedback helps reinforce the proper performance of Kegel exercises. Medications may also help relieve incontinence. A male sling is a surgical option, as is an artificial urinary sphincter which can be surgically inserted in cases of severe incontinence. Ask your doctor about these options.
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The Top 7 Signs Of Advanced Prostate Cancer
In the early stages, you may not notice any symptoms related to prostate cancer. This is why screenings are important. Symptoms can sometimes be noticed for the first time when the cancer advances.
Advanced prostate cancer, also called metastatic cancer, means the cancer has spread to other areas of your body beyond your prostate gland. The most common areas for prostate cancer to spread are your bladder, rectum, and bones. It can also spread to your lymph nodes, liver, lungs, and other body tissues.
Whether youve just been diagnosed or youre in treatment, its also important to know the signs of advanced cancer. Cancer can behave differently depending on your genetics, so not every person will experience the same symptoms in the same way.
Read on to learn more about the seven top symptoms of advanced prostate cancer and how to spot them.
Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression
Metastatic spinal cord compression happens when cancer cells that have spread from the prostate grow in or near to the spine, and press on the spinal cord. MSCC isnt common, but you need to be aware of the risk if your prostate cancer has spread to your bones or has a high risk of spreading to your bones. The risk of MSCC is highest if the cancer has already spread to the spine. Speak to your doctor or nurse for more information about your risk.
MSCC can cause any of the following symptoms.
- Pain or soreness in your lower, middle or upper back or neck. The pain may be severe or get worse over time. It might get worse when you cough, sneeze, lift or strain, go to the toilet, or lie down. It might get worse when you are lying down. It may wake you at night or stop you from sleeping.
- A narrow band of pain around your abdomen or chest that can move towards your lower back, buttocks or legs.
- Pain that moves down your arms or legs.
- Weakness or loss of control of your arms or legs, or difficulty standing or walking. You might feel unsteady on your feet or feel as if your legs are giving way. Some people say they feel clumsy.
- Numbness or tingling in your legs, arms, fingers, toes, buttocks, stomach area or chest, that doesnt go away.
- Problems controlling your bladder or bowel. You might not be able to empty your bladder or bowel, or you might have no control over emptying them.
Dont wait
It is very important to seek medical advice immediately if you think you might have MSCC.
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Risk Factors For Prostate And Testicular Disorders
While these men over 50 years old are at highest risk of developing prostate disorders and men between the ages of 20 and 54 are most at risk of developing testicular problems, age is just one of the factors that can increase a manâs risk of developing prostate and testicular disorders. Other risk factors include:
- Diet and weight â Eating a high-fat diet or being overweight or obese can increase mens testosterone levels, which in turn increases the risk of developing prostate and testicular health conditions.
- Ethnicity â African American men have a higher risk than men of other ethnicities of developing prostate disorders, and Caucasian males are most likely to develop testicular disorders.
- Family history â If a mans father or brother has suffered from a prostate or testicular disorder, he has a particularly high risk of developing the same condition.
- Testosterone levels â Men on testosterone therapy or who have naturally high levels of testosterone are more likely to develop prostate and testicular disorders.
- Other factors such as whether or not a man smokes, has contracted HIV or has undescended testicles contribute to his risk for developing testicular problems.
What Is The Prostate Gland
The prostate is a gland about the size of a walnut. It is part of the male reproductive system and wraps around the tube that carries urine out of the bladder. It grows larger as you get older. If your prostate gets too large, it can cause health issues. Having prostate problems does not always mean you have cancer.
Sometimes a doctor may find a problem during a routine checkup or by doing a rectal exam. If you think there is something wrong with your prostate, see your doctor right away.
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Pay Attention To Aches And Pains Especially In The Bones
When cancer weakens bones, they can become painful and it can hurt to stand up. If you experience such pain and difficulty, its important to report these symptoms to your doctor, according to the ACS. If some part of a bone has been damaged by tumors, a surgeon may be able to affix a rod to help strengthen it.
Other Professionals Who Can Help
Your doctor, nurse or GP can refer you to these professionals.
- Physiotherapists can help with mobility and provide exercises to help improve fitness or ease pain. This can help you stay independent for longer.
- Counsellors, psychologists or psychotherapists can help you and your family work through any difficult feelings and find ways of coping. Many hospitals have counsellors or psychologists who specialise in helping people with cancer. You can also get free counselling on the NHS without a referral from your GP. Visit nhs.uk/counselling to find out more.
- Dietitians can give you advice about healthy eating, which might help with fatigue and staying a healthy weight. They can also help if you are losing weight or having problems eating.
- Occupational therapists can provide advice and access to equipment and adaptations to help with daily life. For example, help with dressing, eating, bathing or using the stairs.
- Social services, including social workers, can provide practical and financial advice and access to emotional support. They can give you advice about practical issues such as arranging for someone to support you at home. Whats available varies from place to place. Your GP, hospital doctor or nurse might be able to refer you to some services. The telephone number for your local social service department will be in the phonebook under the name of your local authority, on their website and at the town hall.
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Further Treatments To Control The Cancer
Your first treatment may help keep your cancer under control. But over time, the cancer may change and start to grow again. If this happens you might be offered other treatments, including:
- more hormone therapy
- clinical trials
More hormone therapy
Your prostate cancer may respond well to other types of hormone therapy, such as abiraterone , enzalutamide , steroids or oestrogens, or to a combination of treatments.
More chemotherapy
If youve had hormone therapy on its own as a first treatment, you might be offered a chemotherapy drug called docetaxel . This may help some men to live longer, and can help to improve and delay symptoms. If youve already had docetaxel, you might be offered more docetaxel or another chemotherapy drug called cabazitaxel .
Radium-223
This is a type of internal radiotherapy that may be an option if your cancer has spread to your bones and is causing pain. A radioactive liquid is injected into your arm and collects in bones that have been damaged by the cancer. It kills cancer cells in the bones and helps some men to live longer. It can also help to reduce bone pain and delay some symptoms, such as bone fractures. Read more about radiotherapy for advanced prostate cancer.
Can Enlarged Prostate Cause Back And Leg Pain
A link may exist between back pain and prostate cancer. The most common cause of lower back pain is prostate cancer in its late stages. Metastatic prostate cancer is more commonly found in the spine, ribs, and hips. Chronic back pain that has no obvious cause should be evaluated by a physician. Asian Americans and Hispanic or Latino males are less likely than non-Hispanic white men to develop prostate cancer. Peoples chances of developing the disease are also increased by the presence of a family member with the disease. If you have unexplained back pain, you may have cancer.
Back pain is a common health concern, particularly in the short term. There are few early warning signs of prostate cancer and no symptoms that can be caused by the disease. If one has prostate cancer or is at risk of developing it, his or her back may be throbbing. A variety of treatments are available to those suffering from prostate cancer.
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