Originally published 11/15/2013
It’s hard to believe that it’s been over seven years since we posted the blog below—one of our very first blog entries! Urinary symptoms are warning signs. They can point to a urinary tract infection (UTI) that will quickly respond to antibiotics, especially when caught early. UTIs generally involve the bladder and/or kidneys, but bacterial infections of the urinary tract can also infect the prostate (bacterial prostatitis).
Despite the passage of time, the information below remains valid because the 6 symptoms listed in it can also signal noncancerous prostate problems. The most common of these are benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), acute or chronic bacterial prostatitis, and non-bacterial prostatitis.
Though the information itself hasn’t changed, a revolution in prostate imaging has occurred between then and now. Imaging, especially MRI and CT scanning, has emerged as a noninvasive diagnostic aid that is especially valuable for complicated UTIs or other tenacious warning symptoms that have not responded to antibiotics or other medications. The National Institutes of Health lists urinary symptoms (leakage, inability to empty the bladder completely, difficulty stopping/starting urination, blood in urine, sense of urgency, repeat UTIs, pain in the back, abdomen or groin, etc.) that may benefit from imaging. A particular type of MRI called Magnetic Resonance Urography may be especially useful. For prostate problems, multiparametric MRI can identify prostatitis as well as inflammation in the fat tissues around the prostate and seminal vesicles; it can also rule prostate cancer in or out. In short, imaging has come a long way from 2013 to the present—with more advances on the way. Don’t ignore urinary warning signs, especially when today’s imaging can painlessly and accurately depict the causes.
Here at our prostate health center, first time visitors often present themselves with symptoms that are already in their advanced stage. Since early detection of prostate problems, whether its prostate cancer or non-cancerous prostate conditions, is the key to long-term survival, we encourage men to be more mindful of their bodies, particularly when it comes to their urinary function and habits.
The symptoms that you need to look out for include the following:
- Having the urge to pass urine more often than you normally do, particularly during the evenings
- Having the urge to rush to the washroom to pass urine
- Difficulty in passing urine
- A sense of not being able to empty the bladder
- Blood in the urine and/or semen
- Pain and/or discomfort when passing urine
It should be noted that the last two symptoms mentioned are not common for men with prostate cancer. Pain and the presence of blood in the urine is, every so often, associated with non-cancerous conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Prostate cancer in its early phase may not present itself with symptoms. By and large, the first symptoms to appear such as weight loss and back pain may be already associated with metastasis (spread of cancer cells to other organs such as the bone and liver).
Prostate Cancer Detection and Treatment at Sperling Prostate Center
Dan Sperling, MD is a premier authority and pioneer in the use of MRI-Guided prostate imaging. His groundbreaking work at The Sperling Prostate Center represents a new paradigm in both the detection and treatment of prostate cancer. Call us now at 877-605-2737 or fill out this contact form to request a consultation. We look forward to your visit!
NOTE: This content is solely for purposes of information and does not substitute for diagnostic or medical advice. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing pelvic pain, or have any other health concerns or questions of a personal medical nature.
About Dr. Dan Sperling
Dan Sperling, MD, DABR, is a board certified radiologist who is globally recognized as a leader in multiparametric MRI for the detection and diagnosis of a range of disease conditions. As Medical Director of the Sperling Prostate Center, Sperling Medical Group and Sperling Neurosurgery Associates, he and his team are on the leading edge of significant change in medical practice. He is the co-author of the new patient book Redefining Prostate Cancer, and is a contributing author on over 25 published studies. For more information, contact the Sperling Prostate Center.
