Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

by Monica Zangwill, MD, MPH [1]

There are no obvious signs or symptoms of prostate cancer [11] in its beginning stages. Many early stage prostate cancers are detected only through a digital rectal exam and PSA testing.

When the tumor becomes larger, symptoms may appear. They may include:

Frequent urination, including the need to get up often during the night to urinate
Hesitancy in starting the flow of urine or inability to urinate (urinary retention)
Loss of force of the stream of urine
Pain or discomfort while urinating
Impotence [12]
Pain with ejaculation
Blood in the urine or semen
Back pain [13] or bone [14] pain [13] that is new and unexplained by recent injury or increased activity
Incontinence of bowel or bladder contents

These symptoms can also be caused by other, less serious conditions and do not necessarily mean that you have prostate cancer [11]. It is important, however, to see your doctor if you are having any of these symptoms.

References

American Cancer Societywebsite. Available at: cancer [15].org">http://www.cancer [11].org .

National Cancer Institutewebsite. Available at: cancer [15].gov">http://www.cancer [11].gov .

Last reviewed February 2007 by Barbara Harty-Golder, MD, JD [16]

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 [17] 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 [18] provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical [17] condition.

Links:
[1] http://www.thirdage.com/health-wellness/editorial-staff-and-contributors#MonicaZ
[2] http://www.thirdage.com/health-wellness/conditions-indepth-prostate-cancer-0
[3] http://www.thirdage.com/encyclopedia/risk-factors-for-prostate-cancer
[4] http://www.thirdage.com/encyclopedia/diagnosis-of-prostate-cancer
[5] http://www.thirdage.com/encyclopedia/treatments-for-prostate-cancer
[6] http://www.thirdage.com/encyclopedia/screening-for-prostate-cancer
[7] http://www.thirdage.com/encyclopedia/reducing-your-risk-of-prostate-cancer
[8] http://www.thirdage.com/encyclopedia/talking-to-your-healthcare-provider-about-prostate-cancer
[9] http://www.thirdage.com/encyclopedia/in-his-own-words-living-with-prostate-cancer
[10] http://www.thirdage.com/encyclopedia/resource-guide-for-prostate-cancer
[11] http://www.thirdage.com/living-with-cancer
[12] http://www.thirdage.com/mens-health/impotence-erectile-dysfunction
[13] http://www.thirdage.com/pain-management
[14] http://www.thirdage.com/bones-joints-muscles
[15] http://www.