The National Cancer Institute estimates that prostate cancer will cause 32,050 deaths and lead to 217,730 new cancer cases in the United States in 2010. The prostate gland forms a part of the male reproductive system and contains specialized cells and glandular tissue that secrete prostate fluid, a component of semen. Prostate cancer develops from mutations to cells in or on the prostate gland, leading to uncontrolled cell proliferation and the formation of a tumor. Prostate cancer development has numerous on the body, causing a number of symptoms.
High PSA Levels in Blood
A common effect of prostate cancer is the secretion of PSA into the blood. PSA, or prostate specific antigen, is a protein found specifically on prostate cells. Under normal conditions, PSA is found at high concentrations in ejaculate but at very low levels in the blood. In prostate cancer, damage to normal prostate tissue causes PSA to leak into the blood, significantly raising blood PSA levels, according to the University of Miami. Doctors can use blood PSA levels to help screen for the presence of prostate cancer, since abnormally high PSA levels can indicate the presence of a tumor. Recovering prostate cancer patients may also receive regular PSA blood tests to monitor the possibility of cancer recurrence.
Urinary Difficulties
A common effect of prostate cancer is the development of urinary difficulties. The prostate gland is located near the urinary bladder and urethra, so prostate cancer growth can have an effect on urine storage and release. Many men with prostate cancer may feel a constant or very intense need to urinate if the tumor growth places pressure on neighboring bladder tissue. As the prostate cancer advances, prostate cells may begin to grow into the urethra, partially blocking the flow of urine. As a result, many men with prostate cancer may experience dribbling while urinating and may feel unable to empty their bladder, according to the Canadian Cancer Society. Men experiencing unexplained changes in urination should seek medical attention to check the health of their prostate.
Pain
In many cases, prostate cancer growth leads to abdominal or pelvic pain. As the prostate grows due to cancer development, the prostate begins to place pressure on surrounding nerves and tissues, causing pain. The Prostate Cancer Charity explains that more advanced prostate cancer involves the migration of cancer cells into lymph nodes--smal structures that make up a part of the immune system--causing the nodes to swell and cause further pain. Finally, very advanced prostate cancer can travel to distant tissues, such as bones, throughout the body, causing pain due to cancerous growth on the bone. Prostate cancer patients may receive pain medication to improve their quality of life during and after cancer treatment.
