Symptoms of Prostate Cancer

Early prostate cancer usually causes no symptoms and is found by a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test and/or DRE (digital rectal exam). Some advanced prostate cancers can slow or weaken your urinary stream or make you need to urinate more often. Non-cancerous diseases of the prostate, such as BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) often cause these symptoms also.1

If the prostate cancer is advanced, you might also develop hematuria (blood in your urine) or impotence (difficulty having an erection). Pain in your pelvic bone, spine, hips or ribs is also possible, as advanced prostate cancer commonly spreads to the bones. Other diseases , however, can also cause these same symptoms.2

When symptoms do occur, they may include:

  • Frequent urination, especially at night
  • Inability to urinate
  • Trouble starting or holding back urination
  • A weak or interrupted flow of urine
  • Painful or burning urination
  • Blood in the urine or semen
  • Painful ejaculation
  • Frequent pain in the lower back,hips or upper thighs2

For more information on diagnosis, consult the section on Screening & Testing.

  1. "General Information About Prostate Cancer," National Cancer Institute, www.cancer.gov. URL: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/prostate/patient
  2. "Early Prostate Cancer: Questions and Answers," National Cancer Institute, www.cancer.gov. URL: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Detection/early-prostate

While clinical studies support the effectiveness of the da Vinci System when used in minimally invasive surgery, individual results may vary. Surgery with the da Vinci Surgical System may not be appropriate for every individual. Always ask your doctor about all treatment options, as well as their risks and benefits.

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