In the country, prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. However, if detected early it can be successfully treated. Read on to know more about the symptoms and stages of prostate cancer.

Symptoms
As the prostate gland is located close to the bladder and the urethra, a person with an early form of prostate cancer exhibits a wide range of urinary symptoms. These include:

• A burning sensation or pain when urinating
• Difficulty urinating or issues with starting and stopping when urinating
• Inability to control the bladder properly
• Frequent urge to urinate especially at night
• Blood in the urine, which is also known as hematuria
• Decreased flow of urine
• Blood in the semen
• Erectile dysfunction
• Painful ejaculation

Advanced symptoms
When prostate cancer spreads or metastasizes to nearby organs and bones. It could result in the following symptoms:

• Swelling in the pelvic area or leg
• Pain or numbness in the hips, legs, or feet
• Bone pain that does not subside
• Fractures

Recurrent prostate cancer symptoms
It should be noted that although the symptoms of prostate cancer varies among patients, the common sign of recurrent prostate cancer is an increase in the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in the blood. Hence, regular tests to check PSA levels is important. Depending on where the cancer has spread some of the symptoms of recurrent prostate cancer are:

• Pain in the lower back
• Difficulty breathing
• Jaundice

Stages
Prostate cancer staging is done based on the results of a physical examination of the prostate by the urologist. It would also include a digital rectal exam (DRE) and other tests. The following are the clinical stages of prostate cancer:

T1 – The tumor cannot be felt during a DRE or seen with imaging tests such as a CT scan. The tumor could be found when surgery is performed for some other medical condition.

T1a – The cancer is usually found when a surgical procedure to treat the abnormal growth of benign prostate cells (BPH) is performed. Cancer is found in about 5% or less of the tissue removed.

T1b – Cancer is found during surgery for BPH and is present in more than 5% of the tissue removed.

T1c – The cancer is detected during a biopsy performed due to high PSA levels.

T2 – The cancer is only in the prostate and can be felt during a DRE and can be seen in imaging tests.

T2a – About half or less of one side of the prostate is affected by the cancer.

T2b – The cancer has spread to more than half of one side of the prostate.

T2c – Cancer is present in both sides of the prostate.

T4 – Cancer has spread to the organs and tissues nearby such as the rectum, bladder, wall of the pelvis and the urethral sphincter.

Being aware of the symptoms and stages of prostate cancer would not only help in early detection, but it would also help in having more detailed discussions with one’s healthcare provider.