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Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Authors:
  • Michael Jubinville, MPH
Publication Type:

Condition InDepth

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

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 (peeing)
  • 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 or 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 vital for people with any of these symptoms to talk their doctor.

Common Symptoms

Early signs of prostate cancer may include:

  • Burning or pain when passing urine (peeing)
  • 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 or 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 vital for people with any of these symptoms to talk their doctor.

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 the legs or pelvic area
  • Numbness or pain in the hips, legs, or feet
  • Bone pain that does not go away, or leads to fractures

References

  • Prostate cancer. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/prostate-cancer.
  • Prostate cancer treatment. National Cancer Institute website. Available at: https://www.cancer.gov/types/prostate/patient/prostate-treatment-pdq.
  • 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.
  • Symptoms. Urology Care Foundation website. Available at: https://www.urologyhealth.org/urologic-conditions/prostate-cancer#Symptoms.

Contributors

  • Nicole S. Meregian, PA
Last Updated:
2022-02-01

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This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.