Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer does not usually cause any signs or symptoms in its early stages. Most cases of prostate cancer are found during the early stages of the disease, but it is usually through a routine exam or blood test. When symptoms do exist, however, they often involve changes in urinary or sexual function.
The following symptoms might indicate the presence of prostate cancer:
- Frequent need to urinate, especially at night
- Difficulty starting or controlling urination
- Weak flow of urine
- Painful or burning urination
- Difficultly in achieving erection
- Painful ejaculation
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Discomfort of pain in the pelvic area, lower back, hips, or upper thighs
If the prostate cancer has spread to other parts of the body (metastasized), the following symptoms are also possible:
- Bone pain, often in the ribs, hip, pelvis, or lower spine
- Leg weakness or swelling
- Urinary or fecal incontinence
When to See a Doctor
Men who experience any of these signs or symptoms should visit their doctor for a thorough examination. These symptoms can be signs of prostate cancer, but they may also be caused by other diseases. Your doctor will need to perform a physical examination and run tests to determine the underlying cause of your problems.
The following conditions can cause many of the same symptoms as prostate cancer:
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia - noncancerous enlargement of the prostate; a common disease that appears to be part of the natural aging process
- Prostatitis - an infection or inflammation of the prostate
- Urinary Tract Infection - an infection that typically involves the bladder or kidneys
These conditions may require treatment with medicine or surgery to relieve the symptoms, but an accurate diagnosis must first be made before an appropriate treatment is prescribed. Again, it is important to check with your doctor to determine whether your symptoms are caused by one of these conditions or prostate cancer.
A doctor should be seen immediately if a man is completely unable to urinate, experiences painful urination with a fever higher than 100 degrees and chills or body aches, or has blood or pus in the urine. A doctor should also be consulted if any of these symptoms last longer than 24 hours; a burning sensation while urinating, difficulty starting or controlling urination, painful ejaculation, or pain in the lower back just below the ribs that is not due to an injury or physical exertion. An appointment should also be made with the doctor if there is continued unexplained weight loss.
Detecting Prostate Cancer Without Symptoms
Prostate cancer can be detected through routine physical exams and blood tests before any symptoms are noticed. This process is known as prostate cancer screening. Medical organizations differ in their opinions about the benefits and risks associated with prostate cancer screening, however, so a man will need to discuss the situation with his doctor then decide if and when it is right for him.