Prostate cancer is a type of cancer in males that begins in the prostate gland. The prostate is a small gland that surrounds your urethra (tube through which your urine exits). According to the Mayo Clinic, prostate cancer affects one out of every six men in the United States. It is unclear what causes prostate cancer, but diet, the environment and family history are some risk factors for developing this condition.
Urinary Symptoms
According to the Mayo Clinic, prostate cancer refers to an abnormal overgrowth of cells that can form a tumor and compress your urethra or bladder. As a result, you may experience difficulty urinating and a weaker urine stream. In some cases, you may have intermittent urination where you tend to start and stop urinating. MedlinePlus states that you may also experience pain with urination or with ejaculation. Visit your doctor regularly so he can check your prostate gland for cancer.
Blood
MedlinePlus states that prostate cancer can also cause hematuria (blood in your urine) and anemia (a low number of red blood cells). You may not be able to see blood in your urine--your doctor may have to analyze it using a special test called urinalysis. You have microscopic hematuria if blood is present. On the flip side, you have gross hematuria when your urine is bright red in color. Sometimes, anemia can result when you lose large amounts of blood. Symptoms of anemia include fatigue and pale skin. Call your doctor if you have these symptoms and he can further investigate the cause.
Swelling and Discomfort
According to the Mayo Clinic, prostate cancer can metastasize (spread) to the lymph nodes in your pelvic region. Your lymph nodes refer to blood vessel-like regions in your body responsible for carrying white blood cells that fight infection. Lymph nodes also carry cancer cells and spread them to different parts of your body. With metastasis to your pelvic lymph nodes, you may experience swelling in your legs and discomfort in your pelvic region.
Other Symptoms
Other symptoms of prostate cancer include frequent urination at night and urinary incontinence, according to MedlinePlus. You may also experience unintentional weight loss because your nutrients are being diverted to feed your cancer cells. In some instances, prostate cancer can also cause fatigue, stomach pain and bone pain, especially when the cancer has metastasized.
