Prostate cancer develops from specialized cells within the prostate gland, a part of the male reproductive system. Prostate gland cells begin to proliferate out of control, forming a tumor that then begins to migrate into neighboring tissues. Prostate cancer treatments, such as surgery and chemotherapy, seek to remove or kill any prostate cancer cells and prevent cancer recurrence. However, in some cases patents may develop new prostate cancer growths around the site of the initial tumor, or in distant organs, leading to the development of a number of symptoms.
High PSA Levels
A possible symptom of prostate cancer recurrence is the development of high PSA levels in the blood, detectable on a blood test. PSA stands for prostate specific antigen, a factor released into the bloodstream during prostate cancer growth. Often, following prostate cancer treatment, cancer survivors must undergo regular monitoring to detect possible prostate cancer recurrence. Doctors look for an increase in the levels of PSA in the blood, since this increase can indicate prostate cancer recurrence or metastasis. Although an increase in PSA levels does not typically lead to noticeable side effects in the patient, an elevated PSA level is often an early symptom of prostate cancer recurrence, and allows doctors to take action against cancer growth before more unpleasant symptoms develop.
Pain
Another common symptom of prostate cancer recurrence is pain in the abdomen, pelvic region or lower back. As the recurring cancer grows, the new prostate cancer cells attack tissues around the site of tumor growth, leading to pain. As the cancerous tumor develops, prostate cancer cells may begin to grow into the urethra and around the bladder, leading to discomfort when passing urine, according to MedlinePlus. Men suffering from unexplained pain should discuss their condition with a physician to address the possibility of prostate cancer recurrence.
Bone Fractures
Occasionally, prostate cancer recurrence occurs away from the initial tumor site in a process called distant recurrence. According to Dr. Stephan L. Werner of Mid-Atlantic Urology Associates, prostate cancer may recur in bone tissue. As the cancer grows on the bone, cancer cells promote the breakdown of healthy bone tissue, leading to a decrease in bone density around the tumor. As a result, patients with extensive prostate cancer recurrence may develop a progressive weakening of the bones, leading to an increased risk of bone fractures. The loss of bone density can be detected using imaging techniques and may be treated with hormonal therapy to slow the growth of the recurrent prostate cancer.
