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Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Michael Jubinville, MPH
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The symptoms of prostate cancer can differ from person to person. Urine passes from the bladder to a tube and then out of the body. The prostate gland wraps around this tube. A tumor can press on this tube and cause urinary problems.

Common Symptoms

Early signs of prostate cancer may include:

  • Burning or pain when passing urine
  • Having a hard time passing urine, starting and stopping
  • Increased need to urinate at night
  • Loss of bladder control
  • Slower flow or less urine
  • Blood in urine
  • Blood in semen
  • Problems getting or keeping an erection
  • Pain with ejaculation

Some of these issues are caused by other less serious problems. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common cause. It is important to talk to your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.

Advanced Symptoms

Prostate cancer may spread. Tumors may form in nearby organs or bones. It can also spread to the spine. Tumors in the spine may press on the spinal nerve. Prostate cancer that has spread may cause:

  • Swelling in legs or pelvic area
  • Numbness or pain in the hips, legs, or feet
  • Bone pain that doesn’t go away, or leads to fractures
REFERENCES:

General information about prostate cancer. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/types/prostate/patient/prostate-treatment-pdq. Updated June 12, 2019. Accessed December 17, 2019.

Prostate cancer. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:https://www.dynamed.com/condition/prostate-cancer. Updated October 16, 2018. Accessed December 17, 2019.

Signs and symptoms of prostate cancer. American Cancer Society website. Available at: https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-symptoms.html. Updated August 1, 2019 Accessed December 17, 2019.

What are the symptoms of prostate cancer? Urology Care Foundation website. Available at: https://www.urologyhealth.org/urologic-conditions/prostate-cancer/symptoms. Accessed December 17, 2019.

Last reviewed September 2019 by EBSCO Medical Review Board Nicole Meregian, PA  Last Updated: 12/1/2020