Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
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There are no obvious signs or symptoms of prostate cancer in its beginning stages. Many early stage prostate cancers are detected only through regular screening, via digital rectal exam and PSA testing.
When a prostate tumor becomes larger, or when the cancer has spread (metastasized) symptoms may appear.
If you experience any of these symptoms do not assume it is due to cancer. Most of these symptoms may be caused by other, less serious health conditions. In fact, many of the urinary symptoms of prostate cancer are also the symptoms of the noncancerous condition called benign prostatic hypertrophy. If you experience any one of them, see your physician.
Symptoms of prostate cancer may include the following:
- Frequent urination, including the need to get up often during the night to urinate
- Hesitancy in starting the flow of urine
- Loss of force of the stream of urine
- Urination that starts and stops, rather than flowing smoothly
- Pain or discomfort while urinating
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection (impotence)
- Pain with ejaculation
- Decreased amount of ejaculate
- Back pain or bone pain that is new, and unexplained by recent injury or increased activity
- Incontinence of bowel or bladder contents
- Unintended weight loss
- Swelling of the legs and feet
Sources:
American Cancer Society
National Cancer Institute
Last reviewed February 2003 by Donald Lawrence, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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