It is important to notice the similar symptoms of an enlarged prostate and prostate cancer to seek proper medical attention. Men who stay alert to the initial warning signs of these conditions can take necessary steps to maintain their health and well-being.
Difference in symptoms between enlarged prostate and prostate cancer
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-malignant medical condition among men that causes an enlarged prostate gland, leading to troublesome symptoms that can significantly affect one’s quality of life.
Hormonal changes that occur with men as they age, especially around age 40, can lead to an enlargment of the prostate gland. This change then can lead to the narrowing of the urethra.
Don’t ignore the warning signs of an enlarged prostate! If you’re experiencing mild or occasional symptoms, make it a priority to see a medical professional. When a correct dianosis is made, it can lead to effective treatment or management of your symptoms, significantly improving your quality of life.
Signs of an enlarged prostate are:
- Weak urine stream
- Difficulty when urinating
- Difficulty starting or stopping a urine stream
- Incomplete emptying of the bladder
- Increased urinary frequency, especially at night
- Sudden urge to urinate
- Urinary leakage
- Straining to urinate
Prostate cancer is a silent killer that can go unnoticed in its early stages. Don’t ignore the facts – according to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer risk increases dramatically after the age of 50. Shockingly, 60% of prostate cancers are diagnosed in men over the age of 65. If you have a family history of the disease – a father or brother – be aware that your risk of developing it is more than doubled. Don’t take any chances with your health – it’s important to get regular prostate cancer screenings to catch it early.
The signs of prostate cancer are:
It’s important to know the signs and symptoms of prostate cancer. These may include the following:
- Pain when urinating
- Difficulty or inability to urinate
- Frequent urination
- Reduced strength of or a weak stream
- Nocturia or nighttime urinating
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Painful ejaculations
- Pain felt in the lower back, abdomen, hip, or pelvis
- Loss of appetite and possibly weight loss
- Persistent bone pain
If you experience any of these symptoms, do not ignore them. See a urologist immediately for an accurate diagnosis and individualized treatment for optimal care.
Dr. David Samadi is the Director of Men’s Health and Urologic Oncology at St. Francis Hospital in Long Island. He’s a renowned and highly successful board certified Urologic Oncologist Expert and Robotic Surgeon in New York City, regarded as one of the leading prostate surgeons in the U.S., with a vast expertise in prostate cancer treatment and Robotic-Assisted Laparoscopic Prostatectomy. Dr. Samadi is a medical contributor to NewsMax TV and is also the author of The Ultimate MANual, Dr. Samadi’s Guide to Men’s Health and Wellness, available online both on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Visit Dr. Samadi’s websites at robotic oncology and prostate cancer 911.