Symptoms Of Metastatic Prostate Cancer
Metastatic prostate cancer means that a cancer that began in the prostate gland has spread to another part of the body. It is also called advanced prostate cancer.
If your prostate cancer has spread you might:
- have bone pain
- feel generally unwell
- have weight loss for no known reason
You might have specific symptoms depending on where the cancer has spread to. These symptoms can also be caused by other medical conditions so might not be a sign that the cancer has spread.
What Are The Risk Factors For Prostate Cancer
Some of the greatest risk factors for prostate cancer include:
- Age. Prostate cancer is very rare in men younger than 40 years of age. In contrast, approximately 60% of prostate cancer cases occur in men that are older than 65.
- Race. African-American men tend to be at greater risk for prostate cancer compared to non-Hispanic whites, whereas Asian-Americans and Hispanic/Latino men are less susceptible to this disease.
- Location. Prostate cancer is most common in North America, Europe, Australia, and the Caribbean. It is rarer in Asia, Africa, and Central and South America. This may be because of more intensive screening procedures for the disease in certain countries, although lifestyle factors such as diet could also play a key role in the difference.
- Family history. In many cases, there is a strong hereditary factor associated with the emergence of prostate cancer. In fact, men who have a father or brother with prostate cancer have a much higher risk of developing it themselves.
Other possible risk factors could include a dairy-rich diet, obesity, smoking, and exposure to harmful chemicals.
How To Get Tested For Prostate Cancer
The only way to get tested for prostate cancer is through a blood test, called a prostate-specific antigen test. The test measures the level of PSA and may help detect early prostate cancer.
Dr Kubes said: While theres no national screening programme for prostate cancer, a prostate specic antigen blood test is used as a diagnostic tool in the UK. PSA is a protein often produced by prostate cancer cells. Raised levels, discovered through a simple blood test, can indicate a tumour.
According to NHS guidelines, if youre aged 50 to 69, a PSA reading of 3ng/ml or higher represents a raised level and cause for concern. If the PSA test indicates a problem, youre likely to have a digital rectal examination as well as an MRI scan of the prostate.
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Symptoms Of Prostate Cancer Spread To The Lymph Nodes
Lymph nodes are part of a system of tubes and glands in the body that filters body fluid and fights infection.
There are lots of lymph nodes in the groin area, which is close to the prostate gland. Prostate cancer can spread to the lymph nodes in the groin area, or to other parts of the body. The most common symptoms are swelling and pain around the area where the cancer has spread.
Cancer cells can stop lymph fluid from draining away. This might lead to swelling in the legs due to fluid build up in that area. The swelling is called lymphoedema.
Causes And Risk Factors Of Prostate Cancer
It isnt clear as to why cells in the prostate mutate and multiply. However, based on studies, there are a handful of risk factors that might lead men to develop prostate cancer. These include age, race, genetic history, and obesity.
- Age: As age increases, the risk of prostate cancer is greater.
- Race: As a common occurrence across many cancers, African-American men have an increased risk of prostate cancer compared to men of other races. They also have a greater chance of having aggressive prostate cancer.
- Genetic History: If prostate cancer has affected any of the men in your family, or breast cancer has affected the women, your likelihood of developing it is greater.
- Obesity: Mostly, every form of cancer has a link between unhealthy weight and cancer. Obese patients usually have a greater risk of having a more aggressive prostate cancer.
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Should I Get Screened For Prostate Cancer
Most prostate cancers are found early through screening. Two types of tests look for possible signs of prostate cancer. The prostate-specific antigen test measures the level of PSA in the blood. The digital rectal examination is when a doctor examines the rectum and feels the size of the prostate gland. Its a simple procedure and takes place in a private room.
Though PSA is considered the current standard for prostate cancer detection, researchers are looking for new ways to detect cancer earlier and improve its treatment. In terms of screening guidelines, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends screening men between 55 and 69 but cautions that it should be an individual decision. After age 70, a discussion with your doctor about the need to continue screening should occur. The doctor will consider your age, potential lifespan, and overall health status to determine whether to recommend continued screening. The USPSTF recommendations apply to men who:
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Are at average risk for prostate cancer,
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Are at increased risk for prostate cancer
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Do not have symptoms of prostate cancer
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Have never been diagnosed with prostate cancer
Before making a decision, you should talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of tests and treatment.
What About Trans People
People born with a prostate can develop prostate cancer. Individuals born without a prostate cannot develop prostate cancer.
Trans women who use hormone therapy such as estrogen may have a lower risk, but the risk is still present.
Anyone born with a prostate should speak to their doctor about screening for prostate cancer.
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Recurrent Prostate Cancer Symptoms
Prostate cancer that returns after treatment is considered recurrent. When it returns to the area around the prostate, the disease is classified as a local recurrence. If the cancer is found in another part of the body, the recurrent cancer is considered metastatic. If the cancer metastasizes outside the prostate, it most likely develops in bones first. Metastatic prostate cancer most often spreads to the liver, bones and lungs.
After initial treatment for prostate cancer, PSA levels are expected to drop dramatically. The first sign of recurrent prostate cancer may be a rise in the PSA level. Other symptoms of recurrent cancer may depend on whether and where the cancer has spread. Symptoms include:
- Blood in the urine
- Difficulty breathing
Patients should discuss any symptoms with their doctor and ask about scheduling regular PSA tests after treatment.
When To See Dr Steven Gange
Note your symptoms and take action. If you are between the ages of 59 and 69, are African American, and/or have a family history of prostate cancer, see your doctor as soon as possible.
Typically, a screening test for prostate cancer will be performed, which includes digital rectal exam and a PSA test.
If you have one or more of the five warning signs of prostate cancer, contact Dr. Steven Gange at , or request an appointment online, for an evaluation.
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Prostate Cancer Caregiver Podcast Series
We are proud to announce a new podcast series geared toward helping give support, hope and guidance to prostate cancer caregivers. The goal of this Prostate Cancer Caregiver Podcast Series is to help others connect with a diverse group of people who have felt the impact of prostate cancer in their lives and empower them on their journey.
What Are The 5 Early Warning Signs Of Prostate Cancer
Prostate Cancer is one of the deadliest and common forms of cancer affecting males in the United States. Prostate is a walnut shaped gland which produces seminal fluid that provides nutrients to sperms. It also acts as a medium through which sperms are transported. Prostate enlargement is quite a common condition and generally happens as an individual ages. It is a benign condition and does not affect the health in any way.
However, sometimes the prostate gland starts to grow rapidly such that it starts to pressurize and invade the adjoining areas. This is what is defined as a Prostate Cancer. This form of cancer is extremely aggressive and spreads quickly which is what makes it a deadly disease.
If diagnosed in its initial stages where the cancer has not spread to other areas, then the chances of a successful recovery from Prostate cancer is quite good.
There is no known cause for Prostate Cancer however, research suggests abnormal mutations in the genes result in abnormal cell division within the prostate gland causing a tumor which takes the shape of cancer relatively quickly.
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Five Warning Signs Of Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers that men face. While prostate cancer rarely produces obvious symptoms in its early stages, there are a few signs that may signal something is wrong in the prostate.
Here are five potential warning signs of prostate cancer:
- A painful or burning sensation during urination or ejaculation
- Frequent urination, particularly at night
- Difficulty stopping or starting urination
- Sudden erectile dysfunction
- Blood in urine or semen
Other possible early signs of prostate cancer include unusually weak urine flow and unexplained pain around the prostate while sitting. If the cancer has spread beyond the prostate gland, men may experience swelling in the lower body, back, hip or bone pain, abnormal bowel or urinary habits or unexplained weight loss.
It is important to note that the signs of prostate cancer are also shared by many other, less-serious conditions. If you are displaying one or more of these symptoms, it does not necessarily mean that you have prostate cancer. Similarly, a man who is diagnosed with prostate cancer may not have any of these symptoms.
Do You Know The Five Warning Signs Of Prostate Cancer
Posted on by Cleveland Urologyin News
Do you know that prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in American men next to skin cancer? Do you know that the prostate is a vital part of a mans reproductive system? Do you know men can have both benign and cancerous growths in the prostate gland? Most importantly, do you know the five warning signs of prostate cancer? Every man should know when to take action.
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Different Signs + Different Men = Difficult To Diagnose
Symptoms of prostate cancer can be different for each man, and any of the symptoms can be due to other less serious conditions. This makes diagnosing prostate cancer more difficult for doctors, so screenings are necessary.
This walnut sized gland is needed for sperm to travel to its destination, so its pretty important. It gets larger over time, but that doesnt necessarily mean a man has cancer.
If you have some of the warning signs, it doesnt necessarily mean you have cancer, while at the same time you can be diagnosed with prostate cancer without any of the signs. This is confusing and frustrating for both doctors and patients.
There are few, if any, early signs but there are certain signals that indicate something is wrong.
When Can You Ask For A Psa Test
Dr Kubes said: According to NHS guidelines, if youre 50 years old or over, you can ask your GP for a PSA test. However and this is crucial if theres any family history of prostate cancer, you can demand a PSA test five to ten years sooner, at the age of 40-45.
That also goes for black men. They too can request a PSA test at 45 years old due to the fact that studies have shown theyre genetically more at risk of contracting the disease. Its also important to stress that you should be looking out for the early warning signs of the disease as soon as you hit your 40s. And thats important.
Research has found that around a third of men have no idea what to look out for when it comes to prostate cancer.
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Active Surveillance For Prostate Cancer
Since prostate cancer is such a slow-growing cancer, many doctors recommend observation or active surveillance.
Active surveillance involves frequent visits with your doctor to monitor your prostate cancer tumor growth. For example, your doctor may suggest ordering prostate-specific antigen tests every three months, along with an annual biopsy.
A PSA result of less than 10 means its unlikely the cancer has spread. A PSA result of more than 10 would require a longer discussion of how to move forward with treatment.
Observation, also called watchful waiting, involves fewer tests.
Active surveillance and observation are most suited for men who either dont have symptoms or have a tumor that is small and will grow slowly.
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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Things To Know About Prostate Cancer Signs And Symptoms
Prostate cancer affects men in their prostate glands. One of the most common cancers found in men, it can go undetected for years. A slow-growing tumor will not push against anything to cause pain in the early stages.
Prostate cancer may first appear through urinary symptoms. The tumor can press on and restrict your urethra, which can cause interrupted urine flow and pain when urinating. You may also experience loss of bladder control, a frequent urge to urinate, or a burning sensation while urinating. These early signs of prostate cancer may go undetected or be associated with the wrong issue.
Early screenings can determine if you have cancerous cells in your prostate. About 85 percent of prostate cancers are detected in early screenings. Cancer cells can be found before you experience any kind of symptoms.
Sure Signs You Have Prostate Cancer
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States behind heart disease and prostate cancer is one of the most common types for men. The American Cancer Society estimates, “268,490 new cases of prostate cancer” and almost 35,000 people will die. While that’s an alarming number, the good news is not only is prostate cancer successfully treatable, it can be curable according to Dr. Mahdi Taha, Medical Director ofMedical Oncology at Delray Medical Center, Part of thePalm Beach Health Network who shares what to know about prostate cancer and symptoms to watch out for. Read onand to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
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What Are The Chances Of Survival
The chances of surviving prostate cancer is good if you catch the disease early.
Dr Kubes said: “The good news is that the chances of surviving the disease is good if you catch it early enough. Most patients will undergo a biopsy of the tumour, with samples of tissue studied in a lab to see how quickly the cancer will spread. What happens next will depend on the result of those tests.
How You Might Feel
When prostate cancer is advanced, it can no longer be cured. But treatment can control it for some time and help to relieve symptoms.
Finding out that your cancer cant be cured is distressing and can be a shock. Its common to feel uncertain and anxious. It’s normal not to be able to think about anything else.
Lots of information and support are available to you, your family and your friends. It can help to find out more about your cancer and the treatments you might have. Many people find that knowing more about their situation can make it easier to cope.
Talk to your doctor or nurse to understand:
- what your diagnosis means
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Five Signs Of Prostate Cancer Symptoms That Men Need To Know
One in eight men will suffer from prostate cancer, according to charity figures
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men.
One in eight men are diagnosed with the disease in their lifetime, according to figures by Prostate Cancer UK. Treatment is sometimes required to curb the spread of the cancer, but for many people, no treatment is necessary.
For others, the cancer can spread rapidly and which requires chemotherapy and radiotherapy to prolong life and delay symptoms. One man in every 45 minutes dies from prostate cancer, which is equivalent to more than 11,500 men every year.
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There are early tell-tale symptoms that men can look out for early on, a medical expert has said.
Dr Kubes is a Medical Director at the Proton Therapy Centre in Prague, Czech Republic – which is a facility that treats many UK prostate cancer patients with pioneering proton beam therapy radiation.
He said: Theres been a huge attempt to raise awareness about the disease in the past few years. But men need to know what these checks actually entail and at what age they should be approaching their GP asking for a test.
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