Prostate Tumor Symptoms: Recognizing Early Signs & Urinary Issues

Because prostate cancer is usually so slow growing, it rarely causes physical symptoms until quite advanced. Even then, the typical symptoms are non-specific and easily confused with symptoms from other conditions, which are either not dangerous or less worrisome than prostate cancer.

Urinary Symptoms

• Urinary problems, such as an intermittent or weakened stream or increasing frequency, may be due to a prostate tumor. They also could caused by overgrowth of the prostate gland or by a bacterial or viral infection in the urinary system.

Blood in the Urine

• Bloody urine can come from many causes including benign enlargement of the prostate, broken blood vessels in the urinary system, kidney or bladder stones or cancer. A doctor should evaluate any occurrence of this.

Blood in Semen

• Usually this is not a symptom of a prostate tumor. Rather it can come from irritation of the urinary tract, straining during sexual activity or even from a bowel movement. However, a doctor should check this symptom.

Swelling in the Lower Extremities

• If prostate cancer spreads to the nearby lymph nodes, it may cause swelling in the legs.

Pain

• A prostate tumor that has entered an advanced stage can cause bone pain in the lower back, hip or pelvis.