Prostate cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in men, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. This form of cancer results from uncontrolled cell growth within the prostate, a small gland located beneath a man's bladder. Symptoms of prostate cancer typically arise during more advanced stages of this disease. Men who develop advanced prostate cancer symptoms should consult a physician immediately to ensure receipt of appropriate treatment and care.
Painful or Difficult Urination
Men with advanced prostate cancer can experience painful or difficult urination as a symptom of this disease, explains the Merck Manual, an online medical encyclopedia for patients and caregivers. Cancer cells in the prostate gland cause irritation and inflammation. When this occurs, the prostate--which wraps around the urethra, the narrow tube that carries urine out of the body--can swell and enlarge. As a result, the urethra can become depressed or constricted, making it difficult for urine to pass out of the body. Men who develop persistent or severe pain while urinating should consult a doctor immediately as these symptoms can be signs of alternate medical problems.
Increased Urination
A swollen prostate gland caused by cancerous cell growth can press into the bladder, an organ within the body responsible for urine storage. As a result, the bladder may also become irritated or inflamed. When this occurs, men with advanced prostate cancer can experience frequent, urgent urination as a symptom of this disease. Affected men may notice that the urine stream produced during urination is unusually weak, which may make it difficult to fully empty the bladder normally, warn health professionals with the University of Maryland Medical Center. These symptoms can also be signs of alternate medical problems, such as a prostate or urinary tract infection. Men who develop these advanced prostate cancer symptoms should seek medical care as soon as possible.
Hematuria
Men with advanced prostate cancer may notice blood within the urine, explains MayoClinic.com--a symptom called hematuria. Urine produced by men with this disease can appear abnormally discolored and may be red, amber or brown in color. Affected men should discuss these advanced prostate cancer symptoms with a medical professional immediately.
Impotence
Impotence can occur as an advanced symptom of prostate cancer in affected men. This symptom is characterized by difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection during sexual stimulation, explains the American Cancer Society. Erection difficulties can be a sign of alternate medical problems and affected men should seek further guidance and care from a doctor.
Hip or Back Pain
Advanced prostate cancer can spread to surrounding body regions, warns the UMMC, such as the hips, back, bones or kidneys. If this occurs, men with this disease can develop mild to severe hip or back pain as a symptom of advanced prostate cancer. Certain men may also experience sensations of numbness, tingling or weakness within the feet or legs, depending upon where cancer cells spread, explains the ACS. Men who experience unusual, persistent or severe hip or back pain should contact a doctor for further evaluation and care.
