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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.