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Prostate cancer usually does not cause any symptoms until it has spread beyond the gland. However, the symptoms outlined below may be associated with prostate cancer, and are often misinterpreted as benign conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). When a prostate tumor grows, it can press on the urethra and cause one or more of the following problems:

• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Trouble starting or stopping urine flow
• Weak or interrupted urine flow
• Inability to urinate
• Pain or burning sensation while urinating
• Hematuria (blood in the urine)
• Trouble achieving or maintaining an erection

Urinary symptoms such as frequent urination and hematuria may also be present in benign conditions such as benign prostatic hyperlasia (BPH), acute prostatitis, urinary tract infection, and kidney stones. Elevated PSA levels can also occur in conditions such as BPH and acute prostatitis. These conditions must also be considered in the differential diagnosis of prostate cancer.

In later stages of prostate cancer, the symptoms reflect the involvement of the adjoining organs and tissues and may include:

• Pain in the back, hip, bladder, perineum, or rectum
• Decreased urinary stream
• Incomplete bladder emptying
• Weight loss
• Constipation
• Malaise
• Weakness or numbness of the legs