Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men. It is a malignant tumor that starts in the prostate gland. The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped gland that is part of the male reproductive system. It is located below the bladder and in front of the rectum. The prostate makes a fluid that is part of semen.
Most prostate cancers are slow growing; however, some types can grow quickly. Prostate cancer may spread from the prostate to other parts of the body, such as the bones and lymph nodes. When this happens, it is called metastatic prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer symptoms may include:
-A need to urinate more often, especially at night
– Difficulty starting urination or holding back urine
– Weak or interrupted flow of urine
– Painful or burning sensation during urination
– Difficulty having an erection
– Painful ejaculation
– Blood in urine or semen
These symptoms do not always mean you have prostate cancer. Other conditions, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), can cause similar symptoms. If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor so he/she can diagnose and treat the problem.