Is Back pain a symptom of Prostate Cancer?

While back pain can be a late symptom of advanced prostatic cancer we should always remember that the majority of males with pain in the back do not have cancer in their prostate. They should undergo complete physical examination along with a detailed history to rule out bladder outlet obstruction. Sometimes digital rectal exam can help the urologist in making the diagnosis of prostate cancer otherwise TRUS guided biopsy of the prostate is done for confirmation. Raised PSA levels in the blood can also be a marker of prostate cancer. A bone scan is done to confirm spread of cancer into axial skeleton and if positive indicates the need for aggressive treatment. Sometimes back pain along with weakness of lower limbs may be an indication of spinal cord compression and needs urgent attention.

When is a back pain a symptom of Prostate Cancer?

Back pain from metastatic prostate cancer can occur if cancer has spread to the bones of the back. It’s also possible for cancer and other conditions to cause pain in a part of the body other than the actual site of the disease. That kind of pain is called “referred pain.” For example, prostate cancer can cause pain the back, hips, and upper thighs even if cancer hasn’t spread.

Prostate cancer that spreads to the bones of the back often affects the cells that create new bone. The affected cells create new bone tissue. This can show up on images as denser than normal bone tissue. Sometimes it is known as “ivory vertebrae” to describe the color and density of the affected tissue.

Less often, prostate cancer also can affect the normal process in which bones are broken down and renewed. When this happens, the image might look like the bone is incomplete or eaten away.

Signs and Symptoms associated with Prostate Cancer:

The given signs and symptoms are commonly seen in patients who are suffering from Prostate Cancer.

These symptoms included:

• An inability to urinate
• Trouble urinating
• Impotence
• Frequent urination
• A need to pass urine at night
• Blood in the urine
• Weight loss

If you are experiencing any of the above-mentioned signs and symptoms, it is best that you consult a urologist or a cancer expert at the earliest. Getting a PSA Test is also advised. You need to be more cautious if you have a family history of Prostate Cancer.