The Signs & Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

This is a disease which develops in the prostate ( a small gland which produces the fluid that transports and nourishes sperm). Today, prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers diagnosed among men. Often times, this disease will grow slowly and usually remains isolated to the prostate (at least during the earlier stages), where it may not produce any noticeable symptoms. However, this disease can be deadly, especially when it is not diagnosed early. If it is identified early, before it has begun to metastasize to other parts of the body, then there is a good chance that it can be treated successfully.

Unfortunately, this can be quite difficult, as there are no identifiable warning signs for early stage prostate cancer. As a patient with a more aggressive form of this disease, you may be encouraged to enroll in a prostate cancer clinical trial. If the cancer has begun to metastasize, or the tumor has lead to a swelling of the prostate gland, it could cause any of the following symptoms:

• Frequent need to urinate, especially during the night
• Issues initiating or discontinuing a stream of urine
• A weak or interrupted stream of urine
• Not able to urinate while staying
• Experience some leakage after laughing or coughing
• Presence of blood or semen in the urine
• Burning or otherwise painful during urination or ejaculation

It is important to note that these indications are not actually the symptoms of prostate cancer itself, but are actually the results of blockage that could be caused by a growing tumor in the prostate gland. However, there are also other medical conditions, like a urinary tract infection, which could cause these problems, so you’ll need to get checked out by your doctor.

The following are all symptoms of advanced prostate cancer:

• A swelling in the lower extremities
• Unexplained loss of weight, fatigue, nausea, or vomiting
• A dull, deep pain or stiffness in the pelvis, upper thighs, lower back, or ribs
• Paralysis or weakness in the lower limbs, often accompanied by constipation

When to Seek Medical Attention

If you have experienced any of these signs or symptoms, then please schedule an appointment with your doctor. At this time, there is still a debate over the proper screening guidelines for prostate cancer, with numerous medical associations in disagreement over their recommendations. You’ll want to discuss your screening options with your doctor, as the both of you will decide what’s the best route to take.