8 signs of bladder damage due to prostate cancer

8 signs of bladder damage due to prostate cancer

Prostate cancer is a common malignancy primarily affecting men. It develops in the prostate gland, a small organ below the bladder, and in front of the rectum. Early detection and treatment can help manage this disease effectively. Prostate cancer does not directly cause bladder damage but can lead to bladder problems if it progresses or if certain treatments are used. Here are some signs related to bladder damage among patients with prostate cancer:

Urinary symptoms
Prostate cancer can obstruct the urethra (the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body) as it grows, leading to urinary symptoms such as:

  • Urinary frequency – Individuals may need to urinate more often than usual
  • Urinary urgency – Sudden and intense urges to urinate
  • Difficulty starting urination – Straining to begin urination
  • Weak urine stream – Reduced force of the urine flow
  • Incomplete emptying – The feeling that the bladder isn’t fully emptied after urination

Hematuria
Blood in the urine (hematuria) can indicate advanced prostate cancer that has invaded the bladder or nearby structures.

Bladder outlet obstruction
As prostate cancer progresses, it can block the bladder outlet, leading to a condition known as bladder outlet obstruction. It can cause difficulty in urination, urinary retention (inability to empty the bladder), and potential damage to the bladder muscles.

Bladder infections
Bladder dysfunction can increase the risk of urinary tract infections (UTIs), which may lead to bladder inflammation and damage if left untreated.

Bladder stones
Stagnant urine due to bladder dysfunction can lead to the formation of bladder stones, which can irritate the bladder lining and cause damage.

Bladder wall thickening
Chronic obstruction and bladder irritation can cause its wall to thicken (known as trabeculation), a sign of long-term bladder damage.

Overflow incontinence
When the bladder cannot empty fully due to prostate cancer-related obstructions, it can result in overflow incontinence, where small amounts of urine leak uncontrollably.

Hydronephrosis
In severe cases, if prostate cancer obstructs the ureters (tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder), it can lead to a backup of urine in the kidneys, causing a condition called hydronephrosis. This can potentially damage the kidneys over time.

It is essential for individuals experiencing any of these signs to consult with a healthcare provider promptly. Depending on the severity and underlying cause, treatment options may include medications, surgery, radiation therapy, or other interventions to manage prostate cancer and alleviate bladder-related issues. Early detection and management can help minimize the risk of bladder damage associated with prostate cancer.

Popular Reads

Here’s how you can get your allergies detected

Here’s how you can get your allergies detected

How many times have allergies caused you to sneeze every time you take a ride in the open air? Or rashes on coming in contact with a plant? Or swelling as a result of a peanut allergy? Sneezing, running noses, watery eyes, rashes, swelling all these reactions due to allergies can be quite distressing. Allergies are more common and can be caused by various things. The cause of allergies is still unknown, it could be genetic or just a singular development. However, they can be easily detected by just visiting your doctor and undergoing some tests. Read on to know more about what are allergies and how to detect them. What are allergies? The immune system is designed to fight any entrant in the body that it recognizes as foreign. However, at times, the immune system becomes over vigilant and starts fighting foreign entrants that are not harmful. Substances that cause the immune system to react this way are called “allergens”, and when you display symptoms of these interactions, you are diagnosed “allergic” to the substance. Allergens can include plants, grass, pollen, dust, food, animal dander among others. While symptoms like running nose, sneezing, watery eyes, rashes, itching, and others, are all attributed to allergic reactions.
5 frequently asked questions about Alzheimer’s disease

5 frequently asked questions about Alzheimer’s disease

A common form of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease is a debilitating and progressive disease that affects the brain and motor functions of the body. The disease progresses through stages. It begins to affect the regions of the brain that control language, thought, and memory. In most of the cases, it begins with a slight memory loss. In the final stages, Alzheimer’s disease leads to the loss of various abilities including motor skills, speech, and independent movement. Here are a few frequently asked questions about Alzheimer’s. What are the causes? Alzheimer’s disease does not have any definite cause. Research has been unable to conclude whether Alzheimer’s is developed by one cause or multiple ones. The exact cause of the ailment is not yet known. However, there are multiple factors that may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease. One of the major causes is ageism. Also, a family history of Alzheimer’s is another major risk. This may lead to the inheritance of genes that cause this disease. Some other possible risk factors that can cause Alzheimer’s include high blood pressure, cardiovascular diseases, and high cholesterol. What are the symptoms? In most cases, the first warning sign of Alzheimer’s disease is a loss of cognitive ability.
Four important steps in anemia management

Four important steps in anemia management

Hemoglobin is a protein molecule in the red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. Its richness in iron gives blood its red color. Anemia is a condition where a person has low hemoglobin or red blood cell count. From an underlying disease to nutrient deficiencies, there are a lot of factors that contribute to the onset of this condition. There are many forms of anemia. Some of them include: Iron deficiency anemia -This is caused due to low iron levels in the blood. Most common causes of this type of anemia are heavy menstruation or internal bleeding. Vitamin deficiency anemia – This type of anemia is caused by the deficiency of vitamin C, B-12 or folate Aplastic anemia – Damaged stem cells in the bone marrow fail to produce enough red blood cells, leading to aplastic anemia. Sickle cell anemia – This is a condition characterized by the development of abnormal crescent-shaped red blood cells. Hemolytic anemia – This is a blood disorder caused due to premature death of red blood cells. Thalassemia – This is caused due to low amounts of hemoglobin in the blood. The blood disorders vary in duration and severity. Prompt diagnosis, and treatment are important because anemia could also be due to an underlying condition.