Symptoms of Prostate Cancer in Men
Prostate cancer in its early stages may not present any symptoms. However, as a tumor grows and causes physiological changes, symptoms related to bladder function and urinary habits may emerge. It is important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by conditions other than prostate cancer.
The following are potential symptoms of prostate cancer:
- Increased need to urinate, particularly at night
- A sudden, compelling urge to urinate
- Difficulty initiating urination, requiring effort to start
- A weak or slow urinary stream
- An inconsistent urinary stream that starts and stops
- Inability to completely empty the bladder
- Incontinence, leading to leakage or dribbling of urine
- Presence of blood in urine or semen
Additionally, other symptoms may include:
- Pain or burning sensation during urination
- Discomfort or pain when sitting due to an enlarged prostate
- Painful ejaculation
- Difficulties achieving an erection, known as erectile dysfunction
- Persistent pain or stiffness in the lower back, hips, or pelvic area
- General fatigue
Rarely, prostate cancer can lead to a set of symptoms known as paraneoplastic syndrome, characterized by high blood pressure, fatigue, and weight loss, which result from cancer cells releasing substances that affect the function of nearby or distant organs or tissues.
In some cases, prostate cancer can lead to serious complications which are indicators of advanced cancer and require immediate medical attention:
- Acute renal failure may occur if the tumor obstructs the ureters, the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
- Spinal cord compression can happen if a tumor exerts pressure on the spinal cord, potentially causing leg or foot weakness and a loss of bowel or bladder control. This condition necessitates urgent treatment to alleviate spinal cord pressure.
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