The Prostate Cancer Foundation reports that prostate cancer will strike one out of six men in the United States. The risk of prostate cancer increases as a man ages. Treatment options include observation, radiation, surgery, medication and other remedies. Blood testing finds many cases of prostate cancer; other cases are found when a man reports symptoms to his family physician or urologist. Many men with prostate cancer experience no noticeable symptoms.
Urinary Changes
The prostate gland surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the opening at the penis. When the prostate gland swells due to a tumor or other problem, the flow of urine can be impeded. Urinary symptoms can be caused by prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia or another condition. Only your physician can determine if your symptoms are from prostate cancer. Common urinary changes noted in prostate cancer include difficulty urinating, a need to urinate more frequently, nighttime urination, a weak urinary stream, stop-and-go urination, burning or pain upon urination, sudden difficulty stopping urine flow and blood in the urine.
Sexual Changes
Despite its proximity to the urinary system, the prostate gland is part of the male reproductive system. Sexual changes that may be noted by men who have prostate cancer include difficulty achieving an erection, painful ejaculation and blood in the semen.
Pain
Like most cancers, pain is a common sign of prostate cancer. This pain may be noticed in the upper thighs, hips and lower back. Alternatively, the area may feel more stiff than painful. This symptom is often attributed to exercise or muscle overuse instead of prostate cancer. You may feel discomfort throughout your pelvis (inside your hip area). Pain in one or more bones can be a sign of advanced prostate cancer.
Swollen Legs
Mayo Clinic reports that swollen legs may be indicative of advanced prostate cancer, though it also can be often attributed to other causes.
