Understanding Prostate Cancer -- Symptoms
What Are the Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?
There are no warning signs or symptoms of early prostate cancer. Once a malignant tumor causes the prostate gland to swell significantly, or once cancer spreads beyond the prostate, the following symptoms may be present:
- A frequent need to urinate, especially at night
- Difficulty starting or stopping a stream of urine
- A weak or interrupted urinary stream
- Leaking of urine when laughing or coughing
- Inability to urinate standing up
- A painful or burning sensation during urination or ejaculation
- Blood in urine or semen
These are not symptoms of the cancer itself; instead, they are caused by the blockage from the cancer growth within the prostate and surrounding tissues.
The prostate is a muscular, walnut-sized gland that surrounds part of the urethra, the tube that transports urine and sperm out of the body. A gland is a group of cells that secretes chemicals that act on or control the activity of other cells or organs. The prostate is part of the male reproductive system. Its main job is to make seminal fluid, the milky substance that transports sperm. Sperm is produced in the testicles, which also make the male hormone testosterone. Testosterone stimulates the...
Read the Prostate Cancer: The Basics article > >
Symptoms of advanced prostate cancer include:
- Dull, incessant deep pain or stiffness in the pelvis, lower back, ribs, or upper thighs; pain in the bones of those areas
- Loss of weight and appetite, fatigue, nausea, or vomiting
- Swelling of the lower extremities
- Weakness or paralysis in the lower limbs, often associated with constipation
Call Your Doctor About Prostate Cancer If:
- You have difficulty urinating or find that urination is painful or otherwise abnormal; your doctor should examine your prostate gland to determine whether it is enlarged, inflamed with an infection, or possibly cancerous.
- You have chronic pain in your lower back, pelvis, upper thighbones, or other bones; ongoing pain without explanation always merits medical attention. Pain in these areas can have various causes, but may be from the spread of advanced prostate cancer.
- You experience unexplained weight loss
- You have swelling in your legs
- You have weakness in your legs and/or difficulty walking, especially if accompanied by constipation
WebMD Medical Reference
Prostate Cancer GuideToday in Prostate Cancer
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
©2005-2012 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.