The American Cancer Society identified that 217,730 new cases of prostate cancer are projected for 2010. Stage IV prostate cancer refers to the progression of cancer to a life-limiting state and recovery or remission of this cancer is very rarely possible. Symptoms of progression will be subjective, meaning observable by loved one, or objective, meaning indicative by clinical study or presence.
Urinary Tract Impact
Exhibited by dribbling urine or painful ejaculation, tumor growth can exacerbate, or worsen these initial symptoms. As prostate tumors enlarge, pressure is placed on the ureters, or tubes that evacuate urine from the kidney. These tumors, alongside swollen lymph nodes, can obstruct the outflow of urine resulting in kidney failure. Bright red blood in the urine indicates acute damage, whereas dark or brown blood in the urine indicates chronic damage.
Metastasis
Metastasis is the spread of prostate cancer cells into other structures and organs. In advanced stages, metastasis to the bone is a common symptom of stage IV prostate cancer. Severe bone pain, sudden fractures and hypercalcemia, or too much calcium in the blood, occur as the bones are invaded by prostate cancer cells. Metastasis can occur anywhere in the body but commonly spreads to local structures such as the bladder and bowel.
Weight Loss and Weakness
Ongoing weight loss and increasing fatigue are hallmark signs of cancer progression. Cancerous tumors require large amounts of nutrients to grow and thrive. As the body loses the battle with prostate cancer, the tumors use the available nutrients to grow, which depletes the body of energy and starves it of nutrition. Anemia, due to bone invasion, is common and leads to weakness and malnourishment.
