What are the symptoms of prostate cancer ?

Progressive symptoms

Onset of early cancer cells

Between the appearance of the first cancer cells and the diagnosis of prostate cancer, several decades may pass. In the early stages of the disease, there are typically no abnormal manifestations (symptoms) caused by prostate cancer.

Development of early benign symptoms

Later on, symptoms suggestive of a benign prostate issue may appear, such as prostate enlargement due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is a common benign tumor of the prostate associated with aging and usually not serious.

Common Symptoms between Benign and Prostate Cancer Common symptoms shared between benign tumors and prostate cancer include frequent urination (especially at night, called nocturia), a weak or interrupted urine stream, difficulty controlling bladder (incontinence), and pain or burning during urination (dysuria).

Disease progression

As the disease progresses, new symptoms may appear. These can include lower abdominal pain or bone pain, which may indicate bone metastases. Signs of kidney impairment due to obstruction of the urinary tract can also develop.

Key symptoms

In practice, the main symptoms that may alert to the presence of prostate cancer include :

• Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
• Weak or interrupted urine stream
• Pain or burning sensation during urination (dysuria)
• Difficulty starting urination or holding back urine
• Difficulty maintaining an erection or impotence
• Painful ejaculation
• Presence of blood in the urine or semen
• Pain in the hips or upper thighs
• Frequent pain or stiffness in the lower back (after the age of 50, any persistent back pain should be promptly evaluated)