Cancer

  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Cancer

Prostate Cancer Symptoms

Prostate Cancer Symptoms You Need to Know

By Lisa Fayed, About.com

Updated: July 08, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer symptoms do not usually appear until the disease has advanced, and many times has already been diagnosed. However, there are symptoms of prostate cancer you should watch aware of, especially signs and symptoms related to urination.

Urinary Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

The urethra is a small tube that runs from the bladder, allowing urine to exit the body. In men, the urethra is surrounded by the prostate, a walnut shaped gland responsible for producing semen. As prostate cancer advances, the prostate enlarges and contricts the urethra. The result is various difficulties with urination.

Urinary difficulties can be common prostate cancer symptoms, but can also indicate other non-malignant prostate problems, like BPH. Prostate cancer symptoms related to urination include:
  • burning or pain during urination
  • inability to urinate
  • frequent nocturnal urination
  • weak urine stream
  • blood in urine (either seen by the eye or microscopically, although less common)

Other Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Urinary difficulties in men over 40 usually raises red flags for doctors to check the prostate gland for abnormalities. However, prostate cancer can cause some other vague symptoms. Non-specific symptoms that may accompany urinary symptoms include:
  • pelvic pain
  • back or hip pain
  • weight loss


Please note that these prostate cancer symptoms are also symptoms for many other, less serious illnesses. Please consult your physician if you have a concern.

Explore Cancer

About.com Special Features

Do I Have Allergies?

Are your symptoms merely irritating, or could they be a sign of allergies? More >

Preventing Headaches

The best way to treat a headache is to prevent it. Learn how. More >

We comply with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here.

Cancer

  1. Home
  2. Health
  3. Cancer
  4. Cancer Symptoms
  5. Prostate Cancer Symptoms

©2009 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.