Prostate cancer is cancer of the prostate gland. This is the small, walnut-shaped gland that surrounds the bottom portion ("neck") of a male's bladder and about the first inch of the urinary tube (urethra), the channel that drains fluid from the bladder. It's located behind the pubic bone and in front of the rectum. The prostate's primary function is to produce seminal fluid, the fluid that nourishes and transports sperm.
If prostate cancer is detected early - when it's still confined to the prostate gland - you have a better chance of successful treatment with minimal or short-term side effects. Successful treatment of cancer that has spread beyond the prostate gland is more difficult. But treatments exist that can help control the cancer.
Signs and symptoms
For many men a diagnosis of prostate cancer can be frightening not only because of the threat to their lives, but because of the threat to their sexuality. In fact, the possible consequences of treatment - which include bladder control problems and erectile dysfunction (ED) or impotence - can be a great concern for some men. Prostate cancer often doesn't produce any symptoms in its early stages. That's why many cases of prostate cancer aren't detected until they've spread beyond the prostate.
When signs and symptoms do occur, they may include the following:
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Dull pain in your lower pelvic area
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Urgency of urination
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Difficulty starting urination
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Pain during urination
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Weak urine flow and dribbling
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Intermittent urine flow
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A sensation that your bladder isn't empty
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Frequent urination at night
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Blood in your urine
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Painful ejaculation
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General pain in your lower back, hips or upper thighs
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Loss of appetite and weight
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Persistent bone pain
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