Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is cancer that forms in the prostate. In men, the prostate is a small, walnut-shaped gland that produces the seminal fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. Many prostate cancers grow slowly and remain confined to the prostate gland, where they may not cause serious damage. But while some types of prostate cancer grow slowly and may need minimal or no treatment, other types are aggressive and can spread quickly.
Prostate cancer that is detected early, when it is still confined to the prostate gland, has a better chance of successful treatment.
Symptoms
Prostate cancer may cause no signs or symptoms in its early stages.
Prostate cancer that is more advanced may cause signs and symptoms such as:
- Problems urinating
- Decreased urine flow strength
- Blood in the urine
- Blood in the semen
- Bone pain
- Weight loss without trying
- Erectile dysfunction
Complications
Complications of prostate cancer and its treatments include:
- Cancer that spreads (metastasizes). Prostate cancer can spread to nearby organs, such as the bladder, or spread through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to the bones or other organs. Prostate cancer that spreads to the bones can cause pain and fractures. Once prostate cancer has spread to other areas of the body, it may still respond to treatment and can be controlled, but it is not likely to be cured.
- Incontinence. Prostate cancer and its treatment can cause urinary incontinence. Treatment for incontinence depends on the type you have, how severe it is, and how likely it is to get better over time. Treatment options include medications, catheterization and surgery.
- Erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction can result from prostate cancer or its treatment, for example, surgery, radiation or hormone treatments. There are medications, vacuum devices that help achieve erections, and surgeries to treat erectile dysfunction.