Prostate Cancer Symptoms and the Importance of Early Detection
Prostate cancer symptoms usually do not present during the early stages of the disease.
Prostate cancer symptoms that may present with advanced forms of the disease include:
- A need to urinate often, especially at night
- Weak or interrupted urine flow
- Trouble starting to urinate
- Trouble emptying the bladder
- Being unable to urinate
- Accidental urination
- A painful or burning feeling when urinating
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, ribs, or upper thighs
- Erectile dysfunction
- Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet
Signs of Metastatic Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer that has spread (metastasized) may cause additional symptoms specific to the organ that it has spread to, which is usually first the bones. Bone symptoms may include:
- Pain
- Fractures
- Spinal cord compression
- High blood calcium levels, which can be dangerous or even life-threatening
Hormone therapy, chemotherapy and vaccines may be treatment options. Other treatments specifically target bone metastasis and associated problems.
Prostate cancer symptoms can also be caused by other prostate conditions, like prostate gland enlargement and bladder infections. Still, symptoms should never be ignored. It is important to make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible to determine the exact cause of symptoms.
Your doctor will obtain a complete medical history and analyze all of your symptoms and risk factors. They will ask specific questions about your symptoms, including:
- What type of symptoms are you having?
- How long have you been experiencing symptoms?
- How frequently have you been experiencing symptoms?
If your physician determines there are potential signs of prostate cancer, they may order a prostate cancer screening, which consists of a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and possibly a physical examination. The results of the screening will give your doctor important information that will help determine if more tests are needed.
A core needle biopsy may be ordered. During this minimally invasive procedure, a small tissue sample is collected and sent to a laboratory for analysis. A pathologist examines the tissue for signs of prostate cancer. If cancer is found, a formal diagnosis is made and all treatment options are discussed. Your doctor will meet with you to discuss treatment options and next steps.
Consult a Doctor to Learn More About Your Symptoms
If you are experiencing any of the prostate cancer symptoms mentioned above, make an appointment with one of our expert oncologists today. We offer you access to New Jersey’s largest network of cancer specialists and the latest treatments available.
To contact one of New Jersey’s best prostate cancer specialists call
844-CANCERNJ or
844-226-2376.
