In its early stages, prostate cancer generally causes no noticeable symptoms, which often leads to the disease progressing undetected until it reaches a more advanced stage.
As its name indicates, this type of cancer originates in the prostate, a gland that is part of the male reproductive system responsible for producing a portion of the seminal fluid, which nourishes and transports sperm.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. In some cases, it develops slowly and remains confined to the prostate gland without causing harm, while in other cases, its growth is aggressive and spreads rapidly.
A person diagnosed with this pathology early—when it is still localized within the prostate gland—has a significantly better prognosis for successful treatment.
Prostate Cancer: Initial Symptoms
During the early stages, prostate cancer is typically asymptomatic and causes no obvious discomfort. However, some men may notice mild changes in urination, such as an increased urge to urinate—especially at night (nocturia)—a weak or interrupted urine stream, or difficulty starting urination.
Due to their characteristics, these early signs are frequently mistaken for benign conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Although less common, some individuals may experience a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, post-urination dribbling, mild pain during urination or ejaculation, and blood in the urine or semen (hematuria or hematospermia), though blood is rare in the early stages.
As prostate cancer progresses and spreads beyond the gland, more evident and concerning symptoms begin to appear. One of the most frequent symptoms is bone pain, particularly in the hips, back, or pelvis.
Other common symptoms in advanced stages include unexplained weight loss, severe fatigue, anemia, and, in severe cases, swelling (edema) in the legs caused by lymphatic obstruction.
How to Know If I Have Prostate Cancer
It is common to wonder: How do I know if I have prostate cancer? Two primary screening tests are used for detection:
- Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): The physician manually palates the prostate through the rectum to detect any abnormalities in its texture, shape, or size.
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test: A blood test that measures levels of PSA, a protein naturally produced by the prostate gland.
The general recommendation is to perform both tests together. Relying solely on the PSA test provides approximately a 45% chance of detecting cancer, while relying only on the digital rectal exam offers a 60% detection probability. However, when both tests are combined, the accuracy rate for detecting whether a patient is cancer-free rises to 94%.
If abnormalities are detected in either or both tests, the physician may order additional diagnostic procedures, such as a prostate ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or a prostate biopsy.
A prostate biopsy can confirm the presence of cancer. If positive, the degree of aggressiveness is determined using scoring systems such as the Gleason score—the most common scale used—or genomic testing, which analyzes the differences between healthy and cancerous cells.
It will also be necessary to determine whether the cancer has spread. This can be evaluated through a bone scan, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT) scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or positron emission tomography (PET) scan.
Centro Médico ABC offers a Mature Male Health Checkup, a preventive assessment designed to identify the presence or absence of prostate cancer before symptoms become noticeable.
Prostate Cancer: Causes and Risk Factors
Like many types of cancer, the exact causes of prostate cancer remain unclear. However, several risk factors have been identified:
- Age: It is more common in men over the age of 50.
- Race: African American men face a higher risk compared to men of other races.
- Family History: A first-degree relative (father or brother) with prostate cancer, or a family history of breast cancer in the mother, increases overall risk.
Stages of Prostate Cancer
The staging of prostate cancer depends on the extent of its spread:
- Stage I: The cancer is in its early phase and typically slow-growing. The tumor is not palpable and is restricted to half of the prostate or less. In this stage, PSA levels are low, and the cancer cells resemble healthy cells.
- Stage II: The tumor is still confined to the prostate. PSA levels remain low or moderate. Although the tumor is small, it carries a risk of growing and spreading. This stage is subdivided into IIA, IIB, and IIC, depending on specific cellular characteristics and PSA levels.
- Stage III: PSA levels are high, the tumor has grown, and the cancer is considered high-grade. Signs indicate a high likelihood of growth and spread. This stage is subdivided into IIIA, IIIB, and IIIC, depending on cell features and whether local spread has occurred.
- Stage IV: The cancer has metastasized beyond the prostate. It is subdivided into IVA or IVB, depending on whether it has reached regional lymph nodes, distant lymph nodes, bones, or other organs in the body.
In conclusion, although various diagnostic tests exist, not all are appropriate for every patient. Each case is unique, and a physician will determine the necessary evaluation for each individual. Once results are available, an appropriate treatment plan can be established.
At the Cancer Center of Centro Médico ABC, we provide specialized medical care. Contact us today!
Fuentes:
Cancer.net, Mayo Clinic, Cancer.org
