WHAT ARE THE MAIN PROSTATE CANCER SYMPTOMS?

Prostate cancer can sneak on men and they will not know it until late. There are no warning signs for early prostate cancer. Since prostate cancer does not push against anything, there is no pain and a person may not know about it for years. It is hence crucial for regular prostate cancer screening.

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer?

The tumour causes the prostate gland to swell and cancer spreads beyond the prostate and causes many symptoms. These symptoms include an urge to urinate often, trouble in starting and stopping a stream of urine, the urine stream will be sometimes weak, or it may start or stop, pain and burning when you urinate, pain and burning when you ejaculate, blood in the urine and semen, pressure or pain in the rectum, pain and stiffness in the lower back, pain in the hips, pelvis and thighs.

All these are not directly the symptoms of cancer but signs of cancer growth blocking the prostate. These symptoms can also occur if you suffer from enlarged, noncancerous prostate or have a urinary infection.

Symptoms of advanced prostate cancer

Specific symptoms are typical of advanced prostate cancer. A dull, deep pain accompanied by stiffness in the lower back, ribs, pelvis and thighs, especially in the bones of these areas. Sudden loss of weight and appetite, fatigue, nausea or vomiting is also signs of advanced cancer. Swelling in the lower extremities, paralysis of the lower limbs is also seen. You may also have constipation and bowel problems in the advanced stages of prostate cancer.

When to consult your doctor?

The first sign that you are having a problem is when you experience trouble urinating, or you feel that urination is painful and different from usual. Immediately you should consult your doctor who will examine you for prostate gland problems and determine whether it is enlarged, inflamed with an infection or cancerous growth. If you have lower back pain, pain in the pelvis, weight loss, swelling in your legs or weakness and a hard time walking, then you should consult your doctor and get yourself examined for prostate too.

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WHAT IS THE DEGENERATIVE DISC DISEASE?

This is an age related condition when the vertebral disc between two adjacent vertebra (Spinal bone) undergoes wear & tear leading to back pain or lower limb pain

What causes the Pain ?

The vertebral disc acts as a shock absorber for the spinal column. It also increase the flexibility of the spine. Once the disc loses its structural integrity the disc bulges causing compression on nerve root leading to pain in the back or the lower limb. In severe cases it may lead to numbness and loss of function. In long standing cases the disc space narrows putting stress on the facet joint (Joint between adjacent vertebrae) leading to wear& tear of the facet joint thus causing pain & decrease flexibility.

2. Symptoms of disc degeneration are:

• Pain in the low back with or without radiation to lower limb
• Numbness of the lower limb with or without loss of muscle strength
• Decrease flexibility of spine with or without deformity
• Bowel & Bladder control issues
• If the degeneration is in the neck the pain & numbness or loss of function is in the upper limb.
• Gait Problems with symptoms like unable to grip slipper or feeling of walking on cotton

3. How is degenerate disc diagnosed?

• Clinical Examination done to determine the neurological loss and site of pain.
• Radiological Examination done to confirm the level of involvement.
• X-Ray gives an idea of the bone changes MRI gives a clear picture with regards to disc and nerve root compression,
• Other special investigation like contrast CT may he suggested under special circumstances.

4. What is the treatment?

• Treatment for degenerative disc disease include physical therapy, exercise , medication, losing weight and if required, surgery. Apart from medicines and physiotherapy.
• Medications include pain relief medicines, short term steroids and muscle relaxers.
• Physiotherapist use physiotherapy in form of (IFT) Interfertial therapy in relieving pain. Physio will also advise posture and exercise.
• Apart from medications and physiotherapy, minimal invasiver procedures like injections of steroids / local anesthesia may be advised for therapeutic / diagnostic intervention respectively .
• If not amenable to above management surgery may be advised by doctor for pain relief
• Surgical Management is also indicated as first line of management when there is loss of function.
• Early diagnosis & Management in the above scenario gives better outcome , consult your doctor for the same.