What are the symptoms of prostatitis cancer?

Prostatitis and prostate cancer are two different diseases with significantly different symptoms. The main symptoms of prostatitis include frequent urination, urgency, painful urination, and perineal discomfort. The main symptoms of prostate cancer include difficulty urinating, hematuria, and pelvic pain. It is recommended to seek medical treatment promptly for a clear diagnosis.

1. Symptoms of prostatitis

Prostatitis is an inflammatory reaction of prostate tissue, which mainly manifests as lower urinary tract irritation symptoms and pelvic pain. Common symptoms include a burning sensation when urinating, frequent urination and reduced urine output, and persistent pain or swelling in the perineal area. Some patients may experience discomfort at the base of the testicles or penis, and white discharge from the urethral opening after urination. Acute bacterial prostatitis is also accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever and chills.

2. Early stage of prostate cancer

Prostate cancer often has no obvious symptoms in its early stages. Some patients may experience minor urinary abnormalities when cancer cells are limited to the prostate capsule, such as increased frequency of urination at night, thinning or interruption of urine flow, and hesitant urination. These symptoms are often mistaken for symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Serum prostate-specific antigen may be slightly elevated at this stage.

3. Progressive stage of prostate cancer

After prostate cancer enters the locally advanced stage, symptoms gradually become apparent. Tumor compression of the urethra can cause difficulty in urinating, requiring strong abdominal pressure to urinate, and the urine line may become thin, bifurcated, or even drip. Cancer cells that invade the bladder neck may cause urinary retention or incontinence. When there is pressure on the rectum, you may experience difficulty in defecation or tenesmus. In a small number of patients, prostate surface nodules can be found during physical examination.

4. Late stage prostate cancer

A variety of systemic symptoms may occur after advanced prostate cancer metastasizes. Bone metastases can cause persistent lumbosacral, pelvic, or rib pain and increase the risk of pathological fractures. Lymphatic metastasis can cause lymphedema of the lower extremities. Compression of the spinal cord may cause weakness or abnormal sensation in the lower limbs. Symptoms such as coughing and hemoptysis may occur after metastasis to the lungs, and jaundice may occur if liver function is impaired.

5. Key points in identifying the two diseases

Prostatitis occurs at a younger age, the symptoms are mostly related to infection, and antibiotic treatment is effective. Prostate cancer is more common in older men. Symptoms gradually worsen as the tumor progresses, and hard nodules can be palpated by digital rectal examination. Prostate-specific antigen can increase slightly during prostatitis and decrease after fighting infection, but it usually continues to increase in prostate cancer. Diagnosis requires prostate biopsy.

For prostate-related symptoms, you should see a urology department as soon as possible. Men over the age of 40 are recommended to have prostate-specific antigen testing and a digital rectal examination every year. Maintaining a regular sexual life will help the prostate fluid to be discharged. Avoid cycling or sitting for long periods of time to reduce prostate congestion. Increase the intake of antioxidant-rich vegetables such as tomatoes and broccoli in your diet. Moderate exercise improves pelvic blood circulation.