Metastatic prostate cancer means that a cancer that began in the prostate gland has spread to another part of the body. It is also called advanced prostate cancer. If your prostate cancer has spread you might: You might have specific symptoms depending on
where the cancer has spread to. These symptoms can also be caused by other medical conditions so might not be a sign that the cancer has spread. You should contact your doctor if you're concerned about any symptoms. Where does prostate cancer spread?The most common place for prostate cancer to spread to is the bones. It can also spread to the:
A large tumour in the prostate gland can spread into or press on areas around the prostate, such as the back passage or urethra. The urethra is the tube which carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the body. Symptoms of prostate cancer spread to the bonesThe most common place for prostate cancer to spread to is the bones. This can include the:
The most common symptom if cancer has spread to the bone is bone pain. It is usually there most of the time and can wake you up at night. The pain can be a dull ache or stabbing pain. Your bones might also become weaker and more likely to break (fracture). When prostate cancer spreads to the spine, it can put pressure on the
spinal cord Spinal cord compression is an emergency. You should contact your treatment team immediately if you are worried you might have spinal cord compression. Symptoms of prostate cancer spread to the lymph nodesLymph nodes are part of a system of tubes and glands in the body that filters body fluid and fights infection. There are lots of lymph nodes in the groin area, which is close to the prostate gland. Prostate cancer can spread to the lymph nodes in the groin area, or to other parts of the body. The most common symptoms are swelling and pain around the area where the cancer has spread. Cancer cells can stop lymph fluid from draining away. This might lead to swelling in the legs due to fluid build up in that area. The swelling is called lymphoedema. Symptoms of prostate cancer spread to the liverYou might have any of the following symptoms if your cancer has spread to the liver:
Symptoms if cancer has spread to the lungsYou may have any of these symptoms if cancer has spread to your lungs:
Symptoms of prostate cancer that has spread to or near the bladderLarge tumours in the prostate can press on the urethra and spread to the bladder. You might find that that you:
Symptoms of prostate cancer that has spread to the bowelThe rectum is part of the bowel that is close to the prostate. Prostate cancer can spread to the bowel, but it is rare. You might have:
Symptom control teamThere are symptom control teams in most cancer units. They can help you to stay as well as possible for as long as possible. They are also in hospices and many general hospitals. Most symptom control teams have home care services so they can visit you at home. How you might feelWhen prostate cancer is advanced, it can no longer be cured. But treatment can control it for some time and help to relieve symptoms. Finding out that your cancer can’t be cured is distressing and can be a shock. It’s common to feel uncertain and anxious. It's normal not to be able to think about anything else. Lots of information and support are available to you, your family and your friends. It can help to find out more about your cancer and the treatments you might have. Many people find that knowing more about their situation can make it easier to cope. Talk to your doctor or nurse to understand:
Can prostate cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes be cured?The most common sites of prostate cancer spread are to the lymph nodes and bones. This is also called metastatic prostate cancer. Currently, no treatments can cure advanced/metastatic prostate cancer.
What is the prognosis for prostate cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes?Regional: The cancer has spread outside the prostate to nearby structures or lymph nodes.
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Prostate cancer 5-year relative survival rates.. What happens if prostate cancer spreads to lymph nodes?Prostate cancer can spread to the lymph nodes in the groin area, or to other parts of the body. The most common symptoms are swelling and pain around the area where the cancer has spread. Cancer cells can stop lymph fluid from draining away. This might lead to swelling in the legs due to fluid build up in that area.
What is the survival rate when cancer spreads to lymph nodes?However, if the cancer spreads to the lymph nodes, this rate drops to 30–60%. The survival rate refers to the proportion of people who are still alive for a length of time after receiving a particular diagnosis.
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