Urologist Dr Ananthakrishnan Sivaraman answers all your prostate cancer questions – what to look out for and when to see the urologist.
What are the symptoms of Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH)?
As men grow older, they may have problems with the prostate gland. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is a condition of enlarged prostate gland. As it grows bigger, it presses on the urethra causing the need for frequent trips to the restroom.
Some symptoms are:
- Increase in frequency of urination
- Incontinence and a feeling of urgency
- Slow stream and a feeling of incomplete evacuation
- Straining to pass urine
- Pain and burning sensation while passing urine
- Having to stand in the urinal for a long time
- Blood in the urine
Any of the above symptoms are signs that you may be suffering from BPH and it is recommended you see a urologist.
Is BPH related to Prostate Cancer?
BPH and prostate cancer are two different conditions arising in the same gland but in different sites in the gland. BPH can coexist with prostate cancer, which is not necessarily preceded by BPH. The symptoms may be very similar. It is advised to consult a urologist to rule out the possibility of cancer.
How is Prostate Cancer detected?
One of the most important factors in prostate cancer treatment is early diagnosis and accurate treatment by experienced surgeons. It is recommended that all men over the age of 50 undergo an annual prostate cancer screening, comprised of a simple blood test - the PSA test (prostate specific antigen) and a digital rectal examination by a urologist.
If you have symptoms or test result that suggest cancer, your doctor must find out whether it is due to cancer or some other cause. A definitive diagnosis of prostate cancer can only be achieved by biopsy of the prostate. There is also the 4K score test, which provides a percent risk score of your chance of having an aggressive form of prostate cancer.
Is Prostate Cancer fatal?
Prostate Cancer can be fatal if not treated early. But if detected and treated at early stage prostate cancer, when the cancer is confined to the prostate, prognosis is very good. Hence early detection is the key. Men over the age of 50 need to get checked, especially if they have a family history of cancer.
What are the signs that people miss out on?
Prostate cancer is very asymptomatic and sometimes people disregard it as urinary infection or old age related issues. Bone pain can also be a possible indication of secondaries.
Related Reading: Does Cancer Cause Erectile Dysfunction and Other FAQs
What are some of the myths surrounding prostate cancer?
If you have BPH, you won't have Cancer Prostate is a myth, they can co-exist.
All raised PSA levels are not cancer. Infection can also raise PSA. So a consultation with a urologist is recommended.
Dr Ananthakrishnan Sivaraman, Consultant Urologist and Robotic Surgeon is Director of Chennai Urology and Robotics Institute Hospital, Chennai, a premier institute for renal diseases.
