Prostate
Prostate cancer is the most frequently occurring non-skin cancer in the United States. Radioactive prostate seed implants are a proven treatment option for men with various stages of prostate cancer. Discuss with your physician the treatment options that are best for you.
Symptoms Of Prostate Problems
The following symptoms can stem from an inflamed prostate, normal changes from aging, or cancer. With the help of a digital rectal exam and a PSA blood test, your doctor often can make a diagnosis and can frequently relieve your anxiety about having cancer. You owe it to yourself to have any of these symptoms checked as soon as possible.
- Enlargement of your prostate gland
- Difficulty in urinating
- Urinating frequently, especially at night
- Painful, burning sensation on urination
- Urine flow not easily stopped
- Blood in urine
- Pain in your lower back, pelvis, or upper thighs
Preventing Future Problems
Ultrasound alone is not a complete prostate exam; it's used to check abnormalities found by other tests. Even if your ultrasound shows no problems, continue to have regular prostate exams. The American Cancer Society recommends yearly digital rectal exams for men over age 40 and yearly PSA blood tests for men over age 50. If you are African-American or have a family history of prostate cancer, you are at high risk. You should have both tests yearly, starting at age 40.
The Digital Rectal Exam
Early cancer often has no symptoms. That's why it is so important to have an annual digital rectal exam. Even in this age of high-tech medicine, the digital exam remains an effective way to spot prostate tumors at an early stage. The earlier cancer is caught, the more likely you will be cured.