Why Men Are Facing A Growing Health Crisis
Men face a growing health crisis. In fact, more than twenty million are affected by an issue due to the prostate, and hundreds of thousands are diagnosed with cancer every year. Fortunately, many of these issues are preventable. Doctors point out, when it comes to prostate cancer symptoms Bourbonnais IL residents should seek health advice quickly because it’s never too late or too early to prevent further issues from occurring.
Paying Attention To Recognizable Warning Signs
Almost half of men ignore signs of prostate cancer. Statistics say 47 percent of men ignore the symptoms of advanced prostate cancer, and 3 out of 5 ignore that the pain they suffer from could be related to the disease. This should not surprise us. In fact, prostate cancer is asymptomatic in its early stages.
When a tumor mass grows, instead, it gives rise to a series of symptoms: difficulty urinating (in particular to start), need to urinate often both day and night, pain in urination, blood in urine or semen, pain in ejaculation, and not completely emptying the bladder. As the disease progresses, it can manifest in a number of other ways including difficulty walking, climbing stairs, and falling asleep. It’s important to have annual checkups because doctors can screen for cancer and other chronic diseases before the usual signs. There are several tests a physician will perform;
Rectal exam. The doctor uses a finger that is gloved and inserted into the rectum to investigate your prostate. The examination evaluates the size, firmness, and consistency of the gland, and any possible pain caused by contact or pressure on the prostate. Blood test (PSA). A blood sample is taken and sent to a lab to review for levels of PSA. The prostate produces an antigen called a prostate-specific antigen, and when you have high levels you are typically diagnosed with prostatitis or inflammation of the prostate. However, you will also experience high PSA levels if you have prostate cancer. Biopsy. This is taking tissue samples for a review of any cancerous cells, and it’s really the conclusive method to diagnose this cancer. The doctor will take several samples of tissue from different areas of the prostate, and this tissue is referred to as cores. A pathologist will check the tissue samples for cancerous cells.
Keep in mind, neither high levels of PSA, a blood tests or rectal exam can show whether or not you have cancer. With any abnormal tests results, your doctor will typically recommend additional tests. A biopsy is a conclusive method of determining prostate cancer. Doctors will perform a biopsy under local anesthesia, taking small samples from different areas of the prostate gland. If there is a chance that the tumor has advanced to additional areas, bone scans, magnetic resonance, and computed tomography will be performed.
Treatment Depends On Several Factors
Men with prostate cancer have several treatment options, and one that’s best for one person is not appropriate for another. It really depends on the stage of cancer, and your general health. After a review, your physician will discuss a plan for a holistic treatment to contain the cancer.