The prostate is an endocrine gland that makes up a part of the male reproductive system. Located adjacent to the colon and bladder, the prostate gland helps maintain proper hormone balance in the body and secretes fluid that makes up a component of semen. Prostate cancer develops when prostate cells proliferate out of control, giving rise to unlimited numbers of cells and forming a tumor. Patients with prostate cancer often develop an enlarged or swollen prostate during cancer development, and this swelling and growth leads to a number of unpleasant effects.
Urinary Incontinence
One symptom of prostate swelling due to prostate cancer is urinary incontinence, the inability to control urination, according to Medline Plus. Patients with prostate cancer may experience urine leaking and uncontrolled urination, since prostate cancer growth may put pressure on surrounding tissues including the bladder, decreasing bladder capacity and bladder control. Prostate cancer and swelling also cause an excessive need for urination at night due to decreased bladder capacity. Removing the prostate tumor to relieve pressure on the bladder often alleviates the symptoms of urinary incontinence.
Urinary Retention
Another possible symptom of prostate cancer and swelling is urinary retention--a diminished or complete loss of ability to urinate. Patients with urinary retention may experience urine dribbling or a delay before urinating during attempted urination, according to Medline Plus. Prostate cancer and swelling may also cause a constant feeling of a full bladder if the patients cannot successfully urinate. In advanced stages, prostate cancer patients may completely lose the ability to urinate, called acute urinary retention, leading to severe pain and discomfort. Acute urinary retention requires immediate medical attention to relieve pain and allow for urination.
Pain
Many prostate cancer patients also suffer from lower back and abdominal or pelvic pain. As the prostate swells, the tumor growth places pressure on neighboring tissues, including the bladder and the large intestine and colon. In cases of advanced cancer growth, prostate cancer patients may suffer from painful bowel movements or constipation due to pressure on the colon, according to the Prostate Cancer Charity. Additionally, cancer growth also places pressure on nerves surrounding the prostate, causing chronic aches and pains. Abdominal and pelvic pain may indicate the presence of a range of underlying disorders, and patients suffering from unexplained pain should seek medical attention to address the possibility of prostate tumor growth.
