Prostate Cancer

Cancer starts when cells in the body begin to grow out of control. Cells in nearly any part of the body can become cancer cells, and can then spread to other areas of the body. To learn more about cancer and how it starts and spreads, see What Is Cancer?

Prostate cancer begins when cells in the prostate gland start to grow out of control. The prostate is a gland found only in males. It makes some of the fluid that is part of semen.

The prostate is below the bladder (the hollow organ where urine is stored) and in front of the rectum (the last part of the intestines). Just behind the prostate are glands called seminal vesicles that make most of the fluid for semen. The urethra, which is the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body through the penis, goes through the center of the prostate.

Testes Cancer

Signs and symptoms
There are often no symptoms during the early stages of prostate cancer, but screening can detect changes that may indicate cancer. ScreeningTrusted Source involves a test that measures levels of PSA in the blood. High levels suggest that cancer may be present.

Males who do experience symptoms may noticeTrusted Source:

  • difficulty starting and maintaining urination
  • a frequent urge to urinate, especially at night
  • a weak urine stream
  • blood in the urine or semen
  • painful urination or ejaculation
  • pain in the back, hips, or pelvis

Advanced symptoms
People with advanced prostate cancer may also show no symptoms. Potential signs will depend on the size of the cancer and where it has spread in the body. In addition to the above, advanced prostate cancer can involve the following symptoms:

  • bone pain
  • unexplained weight loss
  • tiredness

Treatment
TreatmentTrusted Source will depend on the cancer stage, among other factors, such as the Gleason score and PSA levels. It is also worth noting that many treatment options may be applicable, regardless of the stage of cancer.

In the sections below, we list some treatment optionsTrusted Source for prostate cancer and explore what treatment may mean for fertility.