Prostate Cancer Health Center
Prostate Cancer, Advanced or Metastatic - Symptoms
Prostate cancer may not cause noticeable symptoms. Possible symptoms of locally advanced prostate cancer are:
- Urinary problems, such as:
- Not being able to urinate at all.
- Having a hard time starting or stopping the flow of urine.
- Having to urinate often, especially at night.
- Having pain or burning during urination.
- Difficulty having an erection.
- Blood in your urine or semen.
- Deep and frequent pain in your lower back, belly, hip, or pelvis.
These symptoms also may be caused by:
Understanding Prostate Cancer -- Diagnosis and Treatment
The best way to detect prostate cancer in its early stages is with regular digital prostate exams and prostate specific antigen (PSA) blood tests. Because most malignant prostate tumors originate in the part of the gland nearest the rectum, many cancers can be detected during routine rectal exams. Many doctors recommend an annual rectal exam, supplemented by a PSA blood test, starting at age 50 for most men. The screenings are recommended beginning at age 40 to 45 for African Americans and those...
Read the Understanding Prostate Cancer -- Diagnosis and Treatment article > >
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is an enlarged prostate. This is very common in older men. The prostate usually grows larger with age. When it gets large enough, it can press against the urethra and cause urination problems.
- Prostatitis, an infection in the prostate.
- Urinary tract infection, an infection in any of the organs and tubes that process and carry urine out of the body.
Symptoms that may indicate the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, or metastasized, include:
- Weight loss.
- Bone pain.
- Swelling in the legs and feet.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
