prostate cancer symptoms | Symptoms of prostate cancer

Symptoms of prostate cancer

Prostate cancer usually does not cause any signs or symptoms in the early stages of the disease. Signs and symptoms often appear when the tumor grows and causes changes in urinary habits or other problems. Other medical conditions can cause the same symptoms as prostate cancer.

Signs and symptoms of prostate cancer include:

Need to urinate often (frequent urination), especially at night
Pressing or sudden need to urinate (urgent urination)
Difficulty starting to urinate and exertion during urination
Low or slow urine stream
Urine stream that stops
Inability to completely empty the bladder
Difficulty controlling bladder (incontinence), which can cause urinary leakage
Presence of blood in the urine
Burning sensation or pain during urination
Presence of blood in the sperm
Painful ejaculation
Difficulty having an erection (erectile dysfunction)
Pain or stiffness in the bones of the hips, back or chest
Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet
Loss of bowel control
Cough that does not disappear or shortness of breath
In rare cases, prostate cancer causes paraneoplastic syndrome. This is a set of symptoms (including hypertension, fatigue, and weight loss) that may occur when substances released from cancer cells interfere with the normal functioning of nearby or distant organs or tissues.

In some cases, prostate cancer or its treatments can cause serious problems. These emergencies due to cancer must be treated immediately:

Renal failure (known as acute) may occur if the tumor blocks the ureters.
Compression of the spinal cord occurs when the tumor exerts pressure on the spinal cord. It can cause weakness in the legs or feet and a loss of bladder or bowel control. The treatment is intended to relieve the pressure exerted on the spinal cord.