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Prostate Cancer: Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Symptoms of Prostate Disease
The three most common types of prostate disease are:
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia
- Prostatitis
- Prostate cancer
Although these diseases have different causes, they have similar symptoms. This is why it's important to be checked for prostate cancer as part of your yearly physical examination. Your doctor will often refer you to a urologist (a doctor who specializes in diseases of the urinary tract and the male reproductive system) if you have symptoms of any of the following diseases.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Often called BPH, benign prostatic hyperplasia is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. It is very common but rarely causes symptoms before age 40. According to the American Urological Association about half of men between the ages of 51 and 60 and up to 90% of men older than age 80 have BPH.
Symptoms of BPH include:
- Difficulty urinating
- An urge to urinate even when the bladder is empty
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- A weak or intermittent stream of urine and a sense of incomplete emptying when urinating
Prostatitis
Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate. This can be caused by a bacterial infection. Men of all ages can get prostatitis, and it can occur in any size prostate (enlarged or not).
Symptoms of prostatitis include:
- Difficulty urinating
- Frequent urination, especially at night
- Pain or burning during urination
- Chills and fever along with urinating problems
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer, in its early stages, may not cause any symptoms. But as it progresses, symptoms often appear.
Symptoms of prostate cancer include:
- A need to urinate frequently, especially at night
- Difficulty starting urination
- Inability to urinate
- Weak or interrupted flow of urine (dribbling)
- Painful or burning urination
- Painful ejaculation
- Blood in urine or semen
- Frequent pain or stiffness in the back, hips, or upper thighs
Reviewed by the doctors at The Cleveland Clinic
Urological Institute.
WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic
Indication
Uroxatral® (alfuzosin HCl 10 mg extended-release tablets) is an alpha1-blocker for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of BPH.
Important Safety Information
Do not take UROXATRAL if you have liver problems or if you are taking antifungal drugs like ketoconazole or itraconazole, or HIV drugs like ritonavir.
UROXATRAL can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when starting treatment. This may lead to fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do any dangerous activity until you know how UROXATRAL will affect you. This is especially important if you already have a problem with low blood pressure or take medicines to treat high blood pressure. There may be an increased risk of low blood pressure and fainting when taking UROXATRAL in combination with blood pressure medication or nitrates, or erectile dysfunction medication.
If considering cataract surgery (clouding of the eyes), tell your eye surgeon that you are currently taking UROXATRAL or have previously been treated with an alpha-blocker.
Before taking UROXATRAL, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.
Also, tell your doctor if you or any family member(s) have or take medications for a rare heart condition known as congenital prolongation of the QT interval.
BPH and prostate cancer can cause the same symptoms. However, UROXATRAL is not a treatment for prostate cancer.
The most common side effects with UROXATRAL are dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and tiredness.
Please see UROXATRAL full prescribing information.
Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate
Sheldon Marks, MD, explains nearly everything you need to know about an enlarged prostate but were afraid to ask.
