Prostate Cancer Symptoms You Need to Know

Prostate cancer is an extremely common cancer, involving the prostate, the walnut shaped gland lying at the base of the bladder in men. This cancer develops when cells start to multiply rapidly, eventually breaking through the prostate wall and spreading to other parts of the body. Prostate cancer is seen primarily in older men and is rare in men under the age of 50. Unfortunately, prostate cancer can be a silent disease, particularly in older men who may have no prostate cancer symptoms, despite having the disease.

In men who don't have prostate cancer symptoms, the disease is often detected when a blood test measuring PSA levels is conducted and found to be elevated or the prostate is noted to be enlarged on rectal exam. PSA or prostate specific antigen is a biochemical produced by the prostate that when elevated may be indicative of prostate cancer. This is not always the case. PSA can be elevated in benign prostate conditions also. An elevated PSA indicates that further evaluation for a possible prostate cancer should be undertaken.

In patients who do have prostate cancer symptoms, symptoms may include a feeling of being unable to completely empty the bladder after urinating, a reduced urine stream, having to get up frequently at night to urinate, pain or burning with urination, blood in the urine or semen, and abdominal pain. Any of these symptoms should prompt a thorough evaluation by a doctor which includes a rectal exam to examine the prostate as well as a PSA blood test. These symptoms may also be caused by other related conditions such as urinary tract infection, prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate), or benign enlargement of the prostate.

By having a prostate evaluation regularly, particularly if you have prostate cancer related symptoms, increases the chance of making an early diagnosis. This reduces the risk of the cancer spreading to other parts of the body. Prostate cancer most frequently spreads to the lower back and hips which may result in bone pain and tenderness.

If you're experiencing prostate cancer symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor and get an appropriate evaluation. He can make recommendations as to whether further testing will be needed to rule out the possibility of cancer. Early evaluation and treatment can significantly increase your chances for a full recovery.