Which combination represents complications of prostate cancer?

Which combination represents complications of prostate cancer?

• A. Urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction
• B. Visual impairment and hearing loss
• C. Nausea and vomiting and diarrhea
• D. Weight gain and fatigue

Answer: (A)

Prostate cancer and its treatments commonly affect urinary and sexual function because the prostate surrounds the urethra and lies close to nerves that control erection. Surgery to remove the prostate can injure the urinary sphincter or bladder neck, causing urinary incontinence, especially right after the operation, while nerve damage or treatment-related changes can lead to erectile dysfunction. These two issues—urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction—are classic, well-recognized complications of prostate cancer and its therapies. Other options don’t fit as well because visual or hearing changes aren’t typical outcomes of prostate cancer, and while some cancer therapies can cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, those aren’t the defining complications of this cancer. Weight changes can occur, but urinary and sexual function problems are the most characteristic.

Prostate cancer and its treatments commonly affect urinary and sexual function because the prostate surrounds the urethra and lies close to nerves that control erection. Surgery to remove the prostate can injure the urinary sphincter or bladder neck, causing urinary incontinence, especially right after the operation, while nerve damage or treatment-related changes can lead to erectile dysfunction. These two issues—urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction—are classic, well-recognized complications of prostate cancer and its therapies.

Other options don’t fit as well because visual or hearing changes aren’t typical outcomes of prostate cancer, and while some cancer therapies can cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, those aren’t the defining complications of this cancer. Weight changes can occur, but urinary and sexual function problems are the most characteristic.