Prostate problems and prostate cancer

Benign enlargement, prostatitis and cancer differ. Weak flow, frequent urination or blood needs assessment, while early prostate cancer may cause no symptoms. Having no symptoms alone does not exclude cancer.

PSA is a prostate-related blood test; enlargement or infection can also raise it. Without symptoms, testing requires discussion of age, family history, individual risk and possible harms from unnecessary tests or treatment. Review preparation, recent infections and medicines with your team.

Examination, repeat PSA, MRI and biopsy—a tissue sample—may be planned. Biopsy shows cancer-cell features; further assessment may be needed for staging. Grade and stage are different, and both guide treatment. Do not diagnose yourself from a scan.

Active surveillance uses planned tests in selected cancers to detect changes and start treatment when needed. Watchful waiting is a separate approach focused more on symptom control; neither means abandonment. Surgery, radiation or medicines depend on risks and your preferences.

Ask about urinary control, sexual function and fertility before treatment. A fixed recovery time or availability of a particular robotic method at Nev cannot be promised.

Go to emergency care immediately if unable to urinate or with severe lower abdominal pain; do not drink large amounts and wait. With a cancer history, new back pain plus leg weakness, walking or bladder/bowel control problems warrants calling 112. Do not wait for an appointment or PSA result.