• Published on: Sep 10, 2021
  • 3 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

What Are The Symptoms, Causes, And Treatment Of Prostate Cancer?

  • WhatsApp share link icon
  • copy & share link icon
  • twitter share link icon
  • facebook share link icon

What are the symptoms, causes, and treatment of Prostate cancer?

The different types of prostate cancer are generally classified by grade, degree of progression and staging. Treatment options include surgery, radiation, hormone therapy to suppress testosterone production or blocking the activity of hormones produced by other endocrine glands that stimulate the growth of prostate cancer cells.

Surgical treatment is often recommended when prostate tumors are detected in their early stages-localized stage-as it can usually eliminate them or control tumor growth, so they don't depend on hormones to survive. Surgery may also be recommended if the tumor cannot be seen clearly enough for an accurate diagnosis with imaging tests. Your physician may advise you about this option after discussing your medical history and physical examination results with you.

Symptoms of prostate cancer can be like the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. After noticing these or other symptoms, a doctor will perform a digital examination and ask some general health questions. Possible tests may include an analysis of the fluid secreted by the prostate gland when urinating (known as a "prostate-specific" antigen test), a biopsy, an MRI or CT scan imaging exam, or bone scans to rule out metastasis. Treatment may consist of certain medications that slow down tumor growth including finasteride and others; radiation therapy; surgery with prostatectomy to remove the bladder neck and sectioning/removal of all remaining tissue from within the urinary tract to prevent further spread beyond.

Prostate cancer has no signs or symptoms, so the only prevention is to get screened.

More information to include in the answer: There are several different types of prostate cancer that can be detected with a prostate exam. Some require surgery while others do not. Once diagnosed, treatment for these cancers often focuses on palliative care measures to relieve pain and other bothersome symptoms because prostate tumors rarely spread beyond the confines of this gland; they are considered localized or regional tumors. Treatment for advanced cancers may involve hormone therapy (antiandrogens) or chemotherapy (taxanes like docetaxel).

The symptoms of prostate cancer are also nonspecific and might include a change in frequency or volume of urine flow. An in-depth medical exam often determines the diagnosis, but anxieties in men over forty should be assuaged by getting a PSA test when appropriate. The causes sometimes arise from general conditions common from age 40 on which drive prostate cancer up from 1 out of 100 for people under 40 to 1 out of 4 for people over 80 - such as obesity, diabetes, elevated blood level cholesterol, family history and so forth. It's extra important to look after what we eat and how we live if we have one or more of these conditions already present.

Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men. It is particularly more prevalent in elderly men. Over time, prostate cells may develop genetic damage that can lead to uncontrolled, or out-of-control cell growth. The most frequent cause of prostate cancer is age>40 years and obesity (>120% ideal body weight). Treatment for early-stage prostate cancers include surgery, radiation therapy and hormone therapy drugs.

Risk factors for prostate cancer are advanced age, being overweight or obese, family history of the disease or personal history of other cancers that have affected the gland near the prostate (eg., bladder), heavy consumption of alcohol (>2 drinks/day), sedentary lifestyle involving long periods without exercise (<1>

The symptoms of prostate cancer include difficulty urinating, prolonged or too frequent urination, blood in the urine or semen, pain when passing urine or ejaculating, erectile dysfunction. Possible causes include heredity and dietary factors. Treatments can involve surgery to remove the prostate gland in some cases. Options for this might include nerve-sparing robotic surgery when available.

  • Symptoms of prostate cancer include difficulty emptying the bladder, few or interrupted urination, pain during urination and bowel movement, excessive thin urine (pee), bloody urine or semen.
  • Causes of prostate cancer are close to zero chance of contracting it until you reach your 40's. If you had an older family history that involved prostate cancer, then there is a slightly elevated risk.
  • Medical treatment involves surgery to remove the entire gland or radical surgery where both testicles are removed as well as tissue all around the area called the para urethral region, including some muscle tissue on either side called "the peri spongiosum". This medical procedure may cure tumor not otherwise reachable with surgery.

Most of the symptoms are just a part of an enlarged prostate. The treatment is largely based on the type and stage, so for this answer, I will simply mention recurrences- which can happen in an estimated 5% to 20% of people after being treated. Late-stage cancers have been observed to reach points where they have not been observed to grow or spread but have still appeared to persist. As with any cancer, my suggestion would be that you go see your doctor best suited for your needs if you are concerned about any possible symptoms involving your prostate.

Prostate cancer is the third most common male malignancy and the second leading cause of cancer-related death in men. It primarily arises from glandular epithelium primarily by way of the prostate ducts and invades nearly every other organ system including bone, lymph nodes and blood vessels.

Symptoms may include hematuria (blood in urine), prostatitis (difficulty urinating), and erectile dysfunction; while risk factors that contribute to getting prostate cancer or who can be diagnosed include age (>50 years old); race (African American); family history of prostate cancer; sexually transmitted diseases such as human papilloma virus or chlamydia infection; diet with high intake of red meat, animal fat, dairy products.

Symptoms of prostate cancer may include difficulty urinating, pain or burning during urination, blood in the urine or semen, frequent trips to the bathroom at night (nocturia) and trouble starting a steady flow of urine. Causes of prostate cancer are related to genetic factors as well as environmental exposure to substances such as pesticides or components in processed foods.

Treatment for Prostate cancer varies depending on its severity. For example, if the tumor is small and is not growing fast it may be watched carefully with regular testing until it grows large enough to produce symptoms like difficulty urinating.

Read Blog
Pale skin

Pale Skin Symptoms: Causes, Health Conditions, and When to Seek Medical Care

Skin colour provides important clues about internal health. When the skin becomes noticeably lighter than usual, it may indicate an underlying medical condition. Pale skin symptoms, also referred to as pallor, are commonly associated with reduced blood flow, low hemoglobin levels or impaired oxygen delivery to tissues.

In India, pale skin is frequently linked to anemia, nutritional deficiencies and chronic illnesses, making early recognition essential.

 

What Is Pale Skin?

Pale skin refers to:

  • lighter-than-normal skin tone

  • reduced redness

  • pale appearance of lips, gums or nail beds

It can affect the entire body or specific areas such as the face or hands.

Common Pale Skin Symptoms

Typical signs include:

  • pale face or complexion

  • pale lips or tongue

  • light-colored gums

  • pale nail beds

  • cold hands and feet

  • fatigue and weakness

These symptoms often occur together.

 

Most Common Causes of Pale Skin

Anemia

Anemia occurs when hemoglobin levels are low.

This reduces oxygen delivery to tissues, causing:

  • pale skin

  • fatigue

  • breathlessness

  • dizziness

NFHS-5 reports anemia affects a large proportion of Indian adults, especially women.

 

Iron Deficiency

Iron deficiency is the leading cause of anemia.

Contributing factors include:

  • poor dietary intake

  • blood loss

  • absorption problems

ICMR identifies iron deficiency as a major public health issue.

 

Poor Blood Circulation

Reduced circulation causes:

  • less blood reaching the skin

  • visible pallor

Conditions such as heart disease or shock impair circulation.

 

Acute Blood Loss

Sudden blood loss from:

  • injury

  • gastrointestinal bleeding

  • heavy menstrual bleeding

can cause rapid pallor and weakness.

 

Chronic Diseases

Chronic illnesses such as:

  • kidney disease

  • liver disease

  • cancer

often cause anemia and pallor over time.

 

Infections and Inflammation

Severe infections cause:

  • blood vessel constriction

  • redistribution of blood flow

This leads to pale or clammy skin.

 

Nutritional Deficiencies

Deficiencies of:

  • vitamin B12

  • folate

affect red blood cell production and cause pallor.

 

Hormonal Imbalance

Conditions like hypothyroidism reduce metabolic activity, causing:

  • pale, dry skin

  • fatigue

Thyroid disorders are common but underdiagnosed.

 

Genetic Conditions

Inherited disorders such as thalassemia affect hemoglobin production, leading to chronic pallor.

 

Pale Skin in Children and Older Adults

Children:

  • may develop pallor due to iron deficiency or infections

Older adults:

  • often develop pallor due to chronic disease or nutritional deficiency

Both groups need careful evaluation.

 

Warning Signs That Need Immediate Medical Attention

Seek urgent care if pale skin is associated with:

  • sudden weakness

  • chest pain

  • breathlessness

  • fainting

  • rapid heartbeat

These may indicate serious medical emergencies.

 

How Pale Skin Affects Daily Life

Persistent pallor often causes:

  • low energy

  • reduced physical endurance

  • difficulty concentrating

Quality of life may decline without treatment.

 

Diagnostic Evaluation

Doctors may recommend:

  • complete blood count

  • iron studies

  • vitamin B12 and folate levels

  • kidney and liver function tests

Identifying the cause is critical for treatment.

 

Role of Preventive Health Checkups

Preventive screening helps detect:

  • early anemia

  • nutritional deficiencies

  • chronic disease

Early treatment prevents complications.

 

Management and Treatment Options

Treatment depends on cause and may include:

  • iron or vitamin supplementation

  • treatment of underlying disease

  • dietary correction

  • medical therapy for chronic conditions

Self-treatment without diagnosis should be avoided.

 

Lifestyle Measures to Prevent Pallor

Helpful strategies include:

  • balanced diet rich in iron and vitamins

  • adequate hydration

  • regular health monitoring

  • treating infections early

Lifestyle changes support long-term health.

 

Importance of Early Detection

Ignoring pale skin delays diagnosis of:

  • anemia

  • internal bleeding

  • chronic illness

Early recognition improves outcomes.

 

Conclusion

Pale skin symptoms are more than a cosmetic concern. They often signal anemia, poor circulation, nutritional deficiencies or underlying medical conditions. While temporary pallor may occur due to minor causes, persistent or sudden pale skin requires medical evaluation. Early diagnosis, preventive health screening and appropriate treatment can restore normal skin tone, improve energy levels and protect long-term health.

 

References

  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Anemia and Nutritional Deficiency Reports

  • National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Anemia and Adult Health Data

  • World Health Organization (WHO) – Anemia and Circulatory Health

  • Lancet – Pallor, Anemia and Chronic Disease Research

  • NITI Aayog – Preventive Healthcare and Early Symptom Detection

See all

Live Doctor consultation
Live Doctor Chat

Download Our App & Get Consultation from anywhere.

App Download
call icon for mobile number calling and whatsapp at secondmedic