What is prostate cancer?
Cancer can start any place in the body. Prostate cancer starts in the prostate gland, when cells in the prostate grow out of control.
Prostate cancer cells can sometimes spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones or other organs, and grow there. This spread is called metastasis.
Even if prostate cancer spreads to the bones (or any other place), the cancer cells there are still prostate cancer cells.
Questions to ask about your diagnosis
- Why do you think I have prostate cancer?
- Is there a chance I don’t have cancer?
- Would you please write down the kind of cancer you think I might have?
- What will happen next?
How does the doctor know I have prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer tends to grow slowly over many years. In most men, early prostate cancer doesn’t cause any problems. Signs of prostate cancer most often show up later, as the cancer grows.
Some signs of early prostate cancer might include trouble peeing or blood in your pee (urine).
More advanced prostate cancer might cause trouble getting an erection, weight loss, feeling tired, or pain in the back, hips, ribs, or other bones.
If signs are pointing to prostate cancer, tests will be done. Most men will not need all of them, but here are some of the tests you may need:
PSA blood test: The prostate gland makes PSA, a protein found in the blood. Prostate cancer can make PSA levels go up. You might have blood tests to see what your PSA level is and how it changes over time.
Prostate biopsy: For a prostate biopsy, a long, hollow needle is used to take out small pieces of the prostate where the cancer might be. The prostate pieces are then checked for cancer cells. Ask the doctor what kind of biopsy you need and how it will be done. (American Cancer Society)
For more information about prostate cancer visit https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/prostate-cancer/if-you-have-prostate-cancer.html#:~:text=Some%20signs%20of%20early%20prostate,cancer%2C%20tests%20will%20be%20done.
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