Fast Facts On Prostate Cancer
- Prostate cancer rarely reaches an advanced stage.
- People with the condition normally have a very good outlook when they receive an early diagnosis and treatment.
- Hormone therapy is a treatment option for advanced prostate cancer, as are chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
- Prostate cancer can spread to the bones, brain, and lungs.
Prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate gland mutate and start to develop abnormally, multiplying at an uncontrolled rate. In some instances, the cancerous cells can spread to other body parts through tissue, the blood, or the lymphatic system.
After a doctor diagnoses prostate cancer, they will test to see if the cancer has spread to other areas of the body, or how much of the body is affected.
The doctor will assign a stage of prostate cancer from 1 to 4. Stage 4 is the most advanced form.
Stage 4 prostate cancer has spread to pelvic lymph nodes or is blocking the ureters. The ureters are the tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder. Stage 4 prostate cancer may also have spread to the bladder, the rectum, the bones, or distant lymph nodes.
Doctors will test any cancerous cells in the body to determine if the additional cells came from the prostate. Even if they detect cancer in the bones, doctors still consider this prostate cancer if that is where the cancer originated.
There are two types of stage 4 prostate cancer:
Signs Of Advanced Prostate Cancer
If youre experiencing these symptoms, you may have a more advanced or aggressive prostate cancer. If you are experiencing a combination of these symptoms and are concerned about prostate cancer, set up a visit with your physician to discuss screening options.
- Pain or burning when urinating
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination and dribbling
- Increased frequency of urinating
Causes Of Advanced Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK. It is more common over the age 65. Although it can happen at a younger age it is uncommon under 50. People who have a prostate include men, transwomen and people assigned male at birth. If you are a trans woman and have had genital gender affirming surgery as part of your transition, you still have a prostate. Trans men do not have a prostate. It is important to talk to your GP or nurse if you are worried about prostate cancer or have symptoms.
We have more information about the risk factors of prostate cancer.
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Bph And Other Conditions
There are other conditions that affect the prostate that can have similar symptoms as prostate cancer. Those conditions include benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis. BPH is a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland caused by aging, testosterone and genetics.
BPH is not cancer but has similar symptoms.
Another condition is prostatitis, an inflammation of the prostate gland that occurs from bacterial infection. Roughly half of all men will be affected by prostatitis during their lives.
The Signs Of Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer can be silent. It usually is, at least while it is small. It doesnt cause any symptoms at that moment.
Thats because it usually grows in the periphery of the prostate, far from the urethra.
After it grows a little, you can start to get some symptoms. These are the most common:
As you can see, all these signs and symptoms are related to urination and
For example, as the prostate surrounds the urethra, prostate cancer may make it harder to pee.
The tumor will narrow the duct and the urine flow will diminish. Thats when we find difficulties to urinate. Either through trouble starting or being unable to stop.
Also, the effort of the bladder against the obstacle can cause a burning sensation or pain
And so on many of these signs are due to this obstacle mechanism.
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Signs Of Metastatic Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer that has spread may cause additional symptoms specific to the organ that it has spread to, which is usually first the bones. Bone symptoms may include:
- 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 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.
Signs & Symptoms Of Advanced Prostate Cancer
Regardless of whether you have been diagnosed of prostate cancer or whether you are in treatment already, it is important for everyone to know and recognize the signs and symptoms of Advanced Prostate Cancer. Keep in mind that cancer behaves differently in different individuals, and therefore, you may not experience the symptoms in the same way as other person does.
Let us take a look at some of the most common signs and symptoms of advanced prostate cancer and how, by being a little vigilant, you can identify them.
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Early Signs Of Prostate Cancer
Typically, the earliest physical signs of prostate cancer are symptoms related to tumor growth within the prostate. Since the urethra travels through the prostate gland, early signs of a prostate cancer tumor may be related to urinary difficulties. Some of these earlier symptoms may include:
- Painful urination or a burning feeling while urinating or ejaculating
- An increased need to urinate
- Weak urine stream or interrupted urine stream
- Difficulty in starting or stopping urinating
- Leaking of urine or loss of bladder control
Many of these symptoms can be caused by a variety of different issues, including benign prostatic hyperplasia which is the non-cancerous growth of the prostate gland as a man ages. These symptoms can also be caused by urinary tract infections, prostate gland infections, or trauma to the urinary or reproductive tract, all of which are treatable. It is important to talk to your provider if you notice these signs or symptoms, so they can help determine the cause.2,3
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Prostate Cancer Symptoms Early Advanced And Recurrent Signs
As referenced before, the prostate malignancy will, for the most part, give practically zero indications explicitly during the beginning period. The manifestations may change for every person. It is imperative to understand that a significant number of symptoms can also be present because of other underlying diseases. You can schedule a screening test, which is often through a rectal examination to look for the prospects of an abnormality if there is any.
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After Prostate Cancer Has Been Diagnosed Tests Are Done To Find Out If Cancer Cells Have Spread Within The Prostate Or To Other Parts Of The Body
The process used to find out if cancer has spread within theprostate or to other parts of the body is called staging. The information gathered from the staging process determines the stage of the disease. It is important to know the stage in order to plan treatment. The results of the tests used to diagnoseprostate cancer are often also used to stage the disease. In prostate cancer, staging tests may not be done unless the patient has symptoms or signs that the cancer has spread, such as bone pain, a high PSA level, or a high Gleason score.
The following tests and procedures also may be used in the staging process:
What Should I Do If I Have Prostate Cancer Symptoms
If you are displaying one or more signs of prostate cancer, be sure to promptly consult with a physician. Even benign prostate conditions like prostate enlargement warrant timely medical attention, so dont delay seeking treatment. And, like most other malignancies, prostate cancer is usually more easily treated when it is detected at an early stage.
Medically reviewed by Monica Chatwal, MD.
At Moffitt Cancer Center, we provide a full range of diagnostic testing for prostate cancer. If you have received a prostate cancer diagnosis, we understand that every day counts, and we want to support you every step of the way. Our Urologic Oncology Program includes a multispecialty team that focuses exclusively on evaluating and treating prostate cancer.
Contact Moffitt at or complete a new patient registration form online to speak with one of our specialized oncologists about your symptoms. As Floridas top cancer hospital, were committed to providing all new patients rapid access to a cancer expert within a day of their reaching out.
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Where Does Prostate Cancer Spread
The most common place for prostate cancer to spread to is the bones. It can also spread to the:
A large tumour in the prostate gland can spread into or press on areas around the prostate, such as the back passage or urethra. The urethra is the tube which carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body.
If It Spreads Advanced Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer
As we discussed before, this type of cancer has malignant properties, and due to close proximity to the gland where it is formed with other organs, it can spread in severe cases. The metastatic tumor can grow and spread to bones or even the spine thrusting on the spinal nerves. The signs of severity may show through the following:
- Swollen legs and the pelvic
- Numbing of the hips, feet, and legs
- Pain in feet, hips, or legs
- Mulish ache in bones which can also cause fractures.
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How Can I Check Myself For Prostate Cancer
For a disease that is the second most fatal cancer in men, its symptoms are not very apparent. It can be quite a task to detect the presence of prostate cancer, unless it becomes enormous and presses on the urethra, thus causing trouble in its regular functions. As discussed before, what you may suffer through in prostate cancer can be just another urinary abnormality too. Knowing the risks is how you can make it a little easier for yourself.
Since PSA testing has been controversial over the years it was only recently that a new way of testing yourself at home was developed. The East Anglia, Norfolk, and Norwich Universitys science management departments collaborated to invent whats called a PUR test. You can now simply test the possibility of having prostate cancer by collecting your first urine of the day and sending it for an examination. The results have proven to show more biomarkers of prostate cancer than what is visible after a digital rectal exam.
PUR test is more of a diagnostic where the level of prostate malignancy can be detected. It can save you a lot of time of surveillance that is usually a requirement when a patient is undergoing tumor development. So, if youre facing any of the symptoms mentioned before specifically related to urine problems do a PUR test collection and home and get it tested to be on the safe side.
Symptoms Of Advanced Prostate Cancer
If you are worried about prostate cancer, we have more information about the signs and symptoms.
Symptoms of prostate cancer may not develop for many years. The symptoms of advanced prostate cancer may be caused by an enlarged prostate. Or symptoms may be a sign of secondary cancer, where the cancer has spread to another part of the body.
See also
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Your Gp Practice Nurse And District Nurse
Your GP, practice nurse, and district or community nurse will work with other health professionals to co-ordinate your care and offer you support and advice. They can also refer you to local services. They can visit you in your home and also help support your family. They might also care for you if you go into a nursing home or hospice.
Certain Factors Affect Prognosis And Treatment Options
The prognosis and treatment options depend on the following:
- The stage of the cancer .
- The patients age.
- Whether the cancer has just been diagnosed or has recurred .
Treatment options also may depend on the following:
- Whether the patient has other health problems.
- The expected side effects of treatment.
- Past treatment for prostate cancer.
- The wishes of the patient.
Most men diagnosed with prostate cancer do not die of it.
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Radiotherapy To The Prostate
Some men who have just been diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer may be offered external beam radiotherapy as part of their first treatment. This is where high-energy X-ray beams are directed at the prostate from outside the body. The X-ray beams damage the cancer cells and stop them from dividing and growing. Read more about radiotherapy for advanced prostate cancer.
Radiotherapy to the prostate isnt suitable for all men with advanced prostate cancer. If it isnt suitable for you, you might be offered a type of radiotherapy to help manage symptoms instead.
What Does It Mean For Prostate Cancer To Spread
Cancer cells can spread to other parts of the body. Doctors say the cancer has âmetastasizedâ or spread if this occurs.
Prostate cancer can spread to:
- pale skin due to anemia
These symptoms can also occur with aging and an enlarged prostate. As a result, some people may ignore them instead of seeking medical attention.
According to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, age is the biggest contributing factor to prostate cancer risk. Doctors diagnose an estimated 60% of all prostate cancers in males older than 65 years of age.
It states that additional risk factors for prostate cancer include:
- Family history: People with a close relative who has had prostate cancer may be twice as likely to get prostate cancer as those who do not.
- Race: Males of African descent are about 75% more likely to develop prostate cancer than white males and more than twice as likely to die from the condition.
- Smoking: A history of smoking is associated with a higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer.
Researchers are also studying a link between diet and increased prostate cancer risk. Diets high in calcium or low in vegetables may cause an increased risk of aggressive prostate cancer.
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Who Is At Risk For Advanced Prostate Cancer
The exact cause of prostate cancer isnt clear. Your risk of developing this particular cancer increases after you reach age 50.
Certain groups are more likely to develop aggressive forms of prostate cancer, including African-American men and men who carry certain inherited genetic mutations such as BRCA1, BRCA2, and HOXB13.
Most men with prostate cancer dont always have a family history of the disease. But having a father or brother with prostate cancer more than
You probably wont need all of these tests. Your doctor will choose the tests based on your symptoms and physical exam.
If any of the images reveal abnormalities, it doesnt necessarily mean that you have cancer. Additional testing may be necessary. If they find a mass, your doctor will probably order a biopsy.
For a biopsy, your doctor will use a needle to remove samples from the suspicious area. A pathologist will then analyze the removed cells under a microscope to see if theyre cancerous. The pathologist can also determine if you have an aggressive form of prostate cancer.
How Is It Diagnosed
Advanced and metastatic prostate cancer are diagnosed using a combination of a physical exam, blood tests, imaging tests, and sometimes biopsies. If you’ve had prostate cancer before, you’ll likely be having regular PSA tests . Other tests to see if the cancer has come back or spread include bone scans
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Overview Of Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is one of the various types of cancer. It only affects men. Cancer starts growing in the prostate gland in the reproductive system of males. It is one of the diseases, which progress very slowly. There are various types of treatment for prostate cancer, but many men dont even bother treating their prostate cancer. Yes, the treatment helps to reduce the growth of prostate cancer to some extent, but because of its slow progression, most of the men choose to monitor the cancer progression at first instead of immediately opting for treatment.
Prostate cancer is a very common form of cancer. Prostate cancer is also the second leading cause of cancer death after skin cancer. The statistics show that 1 out of 7 men is likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their entire life span. Furthermore, 1 out of 39 men will die because of prostate cancer.
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