Here are some potential early warning signs of prostate cancer to look out for:
Frequent urination, especially at night –
Having to urinate often, especially getting up multiple times during the night to urinate, could indicate an enlarged prostate or tumor pressing on the bladder.
Difficulty urinating –
Trouble starting a urine stream, dribbling, or straining while urinating can be a sign of an enlarged prostate or tumor growth causing a blockage.
Weak urine stream –
Decreased force and flow of urine could mean the urethra is being compressed or blocked by an enlarged prostate or tumor.
Blood in urine or semen –
Any presence of blood, even microscopic amounts, could indicate inflammation, infection or cancerous growth in the prostate.
Discomfort in the pelvic area –
A dull ache or pain in the lower abdomen, pelvic area, lower back or genital area that persists could signal prostate problems.
Erectile dysfunction –
Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection may occur from damaged nerves or reduced blood flow from an enlarged or cancerous prostate.
Unexplained weight loss –
Losing weight unexpectedly could signify advanced prostate cancer.
Keep in mind many conditions can cause these symptoms, so it’s important to see a doctor promptly for an exam and testing if you notice any persistent urinary or sexual difficulties. The earlier prostate cancer is detected, the better the outcomes tend to be. Annual screening starting at age 50–55 is recommended for prostate cancer risk assessment.
What are the common symptoms of prostate cancer?
Here are some of the most common symptoms associated with prostate cancer:
Frequent urination –
Feeling the need to urinate more often, especially at night, is a common early symptom as the prostate enlarges and presses on the bladder.
Weak or interrupted urine flow –
The urinary stream may become weakened, dribble or be interrupted due to obstruction from an enlarged prostate.
Pain or burning during urination –
Discomfort, stinging or pain while urinating can indicate infection, inflammation or enlargement of the prostate.
Blood in the urine or semen –
The presence of blood, which may be visible or only detected microscopically, could indicate prostate cancer.
Difficulty getting an erection –
As the prostate cancer advances, it can spread to the nerves and arteries that control sexual function. This can make achieving an erection difficult.
Discomfort in the pelvis, lower back, thighs or hips –
Prostate cancer may spread to the bones in these areas and cause pain. The pain is often worse at night.
Loss of bladder and bowel control –
Advanced prostate cancer can sometimes impair bladder and bowel control if it presses on the spinal cord.
Fatigue and body aches –
Cancer can cause excess fatigue through its effects on the body. Generalized aches and pains may also occur.
Unexplained weight loss –
Some with prostate cancer experience weight loss from cancer-related effects on appetite regulation.
Consult with a doctor promptly if you experience any persistent urinary, sexual or other concerning symptoms for evaluation. Catching prostate cancer early is key.
What are the signs of advanced prostate cancer?
Here are some potential signs that prostate cancer may be more advanced:
Bone pain –
Advanced prostate cancer often spreads to the bones, which can cause pain in the hips, back, ribs or other areas. This bone pain is typically worse at night.
Leg weakness or numbness –
Spread of prostate cancer into the spine can compress nerves leading to weakness or numbing sensations in the legs and feet.
Loss of bladder/bowel control –
In advanced stages, cancer pressing on the spinal cord can cause a loss of bladder or bowel control. This is a neurologic emergency.
Fatigue –
Advanced cancer often causes fatigue, weakness and low energy levels as the body works harder to fight the disease.
Shortness of breath –
If the cancer has spread to the lungs or fluid has built up in the chest, breathing difficulties can occur.
Unintended weight loss –
Significant weight loss from loss of appetite and increased metabolism can indicate advancing prostate cancer.
Swelling in the legs –
Spread of the cancer to lymph nodes and veins can obstruct blood flow, causing swelling/edema in the legs.
High PSA levels –
Very elevated and rising PSA levels over 20–100 ng/mL can indicate advanced or aggressive prostate cancer.
High blood calcium levels –
Metastatic prostate cancer can raise calcium levels by releasing a hormone that mobilizes calcium from bone.
If you notice any of these signs, it is important to promptly follow up with your doctor for evaluation and testing, as advanced prostate cancer requires urgent treatment.
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How are prostate cancer symptoms diagnosed?
There are several tests and procedures doctors use to diagnose prostate cancer if symptoms are present:
Physical exam –
A digital rectal exam allows the doctor to feel the prostate for any abnormalities in size, shape or texture that could indicate a tumor.
PSA test –
Testing the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood can indicate potential prostate issues. Generally, a PSA over 4.0 ng/mL is considered elevated.
Urine and blood tests –
Testing the urine and blood can check for tumor markers and whether the cancer may have spread.
Transrectal ultrasound –
An ultrasound probe in the rectum can allow visualization of the prostate and any lesions. It may be used during a biopsy.
Prostate biopsy –
Removing small samples of prostate tissue for microscopic analysis can definitively diagnose prostate cancer if cancerous cells are found.
mpMRI –
A specialized MRI scan can help visualize the prostate and guide biopsy sampling. It can also help assess cancer aggressiveness.
Bone scan –
A nuclear imaging test can detect prostate cancer that has spread to the bone. Radioactive material is injected into the blood to highlight areas of bone damage.
CT scan –
A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis can spot enlarged lymph nodes that could indicate advanced prostate cancer.
Chest X-ray –
An X-ray image of the chest may be done to determine if lung lesions are present and if prostate cancer has potentially spread.
The combination of PSA testing, DRE exam, biopsy, and advanced imaging provides the most accurate diagnosis so the right treatment can be started.