Prostate Cancer Info and Resources

SYMPTONS OF PROSTATE CANCER

A man with prostate cancer may not have any symptoms. For men who have symptoms of prostate cancer, common symptoms include:

• Urinary problems

• Not being able to urinate

• Having a hard time starting or stopping the urine flow

• Needing to urinate often, especially at night

• Weak flow of urine

• Urine flow that starts and stops

• Pain or burning during urination

• Difficulty having an erection

• Blood in the urine or semen

• Frequent pain in the lower back, hips, or upper thighs

Most often, these symptoms are not due to prostate cancer. BPH, an infection, or another health problem may cause them. Any man with these symptoms should tell his doctor so that problems can be diagnosed and treated as early as possible. He may see his regular doctor or a urologist. A urologist is a doctor whose specialty is diseases of the urinary system.

PROSTATE CANCER DIAGNOSIS

If you have a symptom or test result that suggests prostate cancer, your doctor must find out whether it is due to cancer or to some other cause. Your doctor will ask about your personal and family medical history. You will have a physical exam. You may have lab tests. Your visit may include a digital rectal exam, a urine test to check for blood or infection, and a blood test to measure PSA level.

You also may have other exams:

Transrectal ultrasound: The doctor inserts a probe into the man's rectum to check for abnormal areas. The probe sends out sound waves that people cannot hear (ultrasound). The waves bounce off the prostate. A computer uses the echoes to create a picture called a sonogram.
 
Cystoscopy: The doctor uses a thin, lighted tube to look into the urethra and bladder.
 
Transrectal biopsy: A biopsy is the removal of tissue to look for cancer cells. It is the only sure way to diagnose prostate cancer. The doctor inserts a needle through the rectum into the prostate. The doctor takes small tissue samples from many areas of the prostate. Ultrasound may be used to guide the needle. A pathologist checks for cancer cells in the tissue.