The prostate gland surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. When this gland develops a tumor, inflammation, or enlargement, it can compress the urethra, leading to symptoms such as difficult urination, a weak urine stream, and intermittent urination. In late stages, cancer cells may spread to the bones, causing persistent back pain.

For healthy men over 50 years old without unusual symptoms, regular prostate cancer screening is recommended for early detection of cancer markers. The risk of developing the disease tends to increase significantly from the age of 50 onwards. However, if any abnormal signs appear, individuals should seek medical attention to determine the cause, regardless of their age.

Dr. Truc examines and advises a patient. Illustration: Tam Anh General Hospital

Minh, your symptoms, including difficult urination and nocturia, could stem from urethral compression. This compression can occur when the prostate gland is inflamed, enlarged, or has a tumor. Persistent back pain can sometimes indicate late-stage prostate cancer that has metastasized to the bones, or it could be related to other medical conditions.

At 42 years old, similar symptoms may also be linked to benign conditions such as prostatitis, benign prostatic hyperplasia, infections, or urinary tract stones. Nevertheless, these conditions still require early detection and treatment to prevent them from affecting quality of life and urinary function.

You should visit a hospital with a Urology department for an examination to identify the cause and receive appropriate treatment. A doctor may recommend a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test, which indicates the risk of prostate cancer, combined with a clinical examination, ultrasound, and other tests. A digital rectal examination is also an important method to assess the size and characteristics of the prostate gland.

While prostate cancer is more common in older men, there is a current trend towards younger patients due to various factors like genetics, high-fat diets, smoking, or exposure to chemicals. If detected early, patients can undergo minimally invasive treatments such as laparoscopic surgery, robot-assisted surgery, or precise localized radiation therapy. These methods help remove tumors while preserving urinary and sexual function.

Dr. Pham Thanh Truc, Specialist Level II, M.Sc.

Urology - Nephrology - Andrology Center,

Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City