According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), metastasis means the spread of cancer. Cancer cells spread from the primary tumor in the prostate to other regions of the body such as the lymphatic system, bones and other organs. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) estimates that one in six men will experience prostate cancer in their lifetime, more than 200,000 new cases will be diagnosed this year, and more than 27,000 men will die from prostate cancer this year.
Prostate Cancer Symptoms
According to the NCI, the most common symptoms of prostate cancer are frequent urination, difficulties with starting and stopping urination, painful or burning sensations during urination, blood in the semen or urine, painful ejaculations and pain in or your back or pelvis.
Surrounding Areas
Prostate cancer can spread outside of the prostate into nearby regions such as the seminal vesicles, which is a gland that helps produce semen. This spreading is defined as locally advanced and is classified as stage 3 prostate cancer. There are no additional symptoms for this stage other than what is common to prostate cancer.
Bones
Prostate cancer is a common source for bone cancer. The primary tumor in the prostate causes cancer cells to spread into the bones. The most common symptom of bone cancer is pain. The pain is persistent or constant and can cause swelling near the bones or fractures, according to the NCI.
Lymphatic System
Prostate cancer can spread into the lymphatic system and cause cancerous tumors to grow in the lymph nodes. Common symptoms of lymph cancers are swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, enlarged spleens, swelling in the legs and discomfort in the pelvic area, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Organs
Prostate cancer can also spread to other organs in the body such as the kidneys or liver. According to the American Cancer Society, when the cancer has spread from the prostate to other organs it is generally considered incurable. Common symptoms of kidney and liver cancers are weight loss, pain, enlarged organs and abdominal swelling, according to the NCI.
