Are prostate cancer symptoms serious?

The severity of prostate cancer symptoms depends on the stage and specific manifestations of the disease. Early prostate cancer often has no obvious symptoms, while late-stage prostate cancer may involve multiple systems and even be life-threatening. Timely detection of symptoms, diagnosis and treatment are key. The main symptoms include urination problems, bone pain and general discomfort, which need to be taken seriously and sought medical attention as soon as possible.

1) Urinary problems

Early prostate cancer may cause urination disorders similar to prostate hyperplasia, such as frequent urination, increased nocturia, urgency, a feeling of incomplete urination, thinning of the urine flow, and even urine retention. This is due to the pressure on the urethra caused by the hyperplasia of prostate tissue. If such problems occur, you should go to the hospital for tumor marker testing (such as PSA) or imaging examinations to confirm the diagnosis.

2) Bone pain

Advanced prostate cancer is prone to metastasize to the bones, and patients will feel obvious bone pain, especially in the lumbar spine, hip bones and other parts. Bone metastasis not only causes pain, but may also cause serious consequences such as fractures and limited mobility. At this time, a bone scan should be performed under the guidance of a doctor to confirm the diagnosis, and pain medication (such as analgesics, bisphosphonates) and radiotherapy should be used to relieve symptoms.

3) Systemic symptoms

Advanced patients may experience symptoms of general discomfort such as weight loss, fatigue, anemia, and some patients may also experience lymphadenopathy or ascites. Systemic symptoms indicate that the cancer has spread and require high attention. These symptoms are usually treated with a combination of endocrine therapy (such as androgen deprivation therapy), chemotherapy, or immunotherapy to control disease progression.

The seriousness of prostate cancer lies in its hidden and invasive nature. Early detection and treatment are crucial to prognosis. It is recommended that middle-aged and elderly men undergo regular physical examinations (especially serum PSA tests). If abnormal symptoms are found, it is important to seek medical attention in a timely manner. A good lifestyle and scientific preventive measures can also reduce the risk of disease.