Metastatic Prostate Cancer
Sometimes, cancer cells can break away from the prostate and rapidly grow, spreading to nearby tissues, a process known as metastasis.
The testicles
The testicles are two small, oval-shaped organs located below the penis, enclosed in a skin pouch called the scrotum.
Image of the testicles (cruk)
Starting from puberty, the testicles begin producing sperm. Inside the testicle, small tubes come together to form the epididymis, a single tube that becomes wider as it exits the testicle. This wider tube is known as the spermatic cord.
The spermatic cord leads to a short passage called the ejaculatory duct, which opens into the urethra, the tube that carries urine and semen out of the body through the penis.
Testosterone:
The testicles produce the hormone testosterone, which is responsible for developing male characteristics such as:- A deeper voice
- Facial hair growth
- Increased muscle mass
- The ability to achieve an erection
- Male sexual drive (libido)
Where does testicular cancer start:
The testicles consist of various cell types, and the kind of cancer you have depends on the specific cell where it begins. Most testicular cancers arise from germ cells, which are responsible for producing sperm. Doctors classify germ cell cancers into two main types:- Seminoma
- Non-seminoma
The lymph nodes closest to the prostate are often the first places where cancer spreads. If prostate cancer has reached the lymph nodes at the time of diagnosis, there is a higher likelihood that it may have also spread to other parts of the body.
When prostate cancer cells enter the bloodstream, they can travel to various sites throughout the body. They most commonly spread to bones and, less frequently, to other organs such as the liver, lungs, or brain. In 85% to 90% of metastatic prostate cancer cases, bone metastases are observed.
Regardless of where cancer appears in the body, it is always classified by its original tissue type. Thus, even when prostate cancer spreads to other organs, the metastatic cells are still prostate cancer cells and require prostate cancer-specific treatment.
Men diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer, meaning their cancer has already spread beyond the prostate at the time of diagnosis, typically do not undergo surgery to remove the prostate. Instead, their treatment often begins with hormone therapy, which may be combined with other medications like androgen receptor pathway inhibitors and/or docetaxel chemotherapy. Radiation therapy targeting the primary tumor may be an option for certain patients.
Symptoms of Metastatic Prostate Cancer :
Metastatic prostate cancer refers to a prostate cancer that has extended to other regions of the body. This condition is also known as advanced prostate cancer.
If your prostate cancer has metastasized, you may experience:
– Bone pain
– Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
– A general sense of feeling unwell
– Unexplained weight loss
You might also have particular symptoms depending on where the cancer has spread. These symptoms can be indicative of other medical issues as well, so they may not necessarily mean 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:
- lymph nodes
- liver
- lungs
A large tumour in the prostate gland can spread into or press on areas around the prostate, such as the back passage, bladder 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 Bones :
The most common place for prostate cancer to spread to is the bones. This can include the:
- spine
- pelvis
- ribs
- skull
Symptoms of Prostate cancer spread to Lymph Nodes :
Lymph nodes are part of a network of tubes and glands in the body that help filter bodily fluids and fight infections.
There are numerous lymph nodes in the pelvic region, which is situated near the prostate gland. Prostate cancer can metastasize to the lymph nodes in the pelvic area or spread to other parts of the body. The most common symptoms include swelling and pain in the affected area.
Cancer cells can block the normal drainage of lymph fluid, leading to fluid accumulation and swelling in the legs. This condition is known as lymphoedema.
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer spread to Liver :
If your cancer has metastasized to the liver, you may experience any of the following symptoms:
– Discomfort or pain on the right side of your abdomen
– Nausea
– Loss of appetite and weight loss
– A swollen abdomen (known as ascites)
– Yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes (jaundice)
– Itchy skin
Symptoms of Prostate cancer spreading to Liver:
If cancer has metastasized to your lungs, you may experience any of the following symptoms:
– A persistent cough
– Shortness of breath
– Coughing up blood
– Fluid accumulation between the chest wall and the lung (known as a pleural effusion)
Symptoms of prostate cancer that has spread to or near the bladder:
Large tumours in the prostate can press on the urethra and spread to the bladder. You might find that you:
- pass urine more often
- get up in the night to pass urine
- have difficulty passing urine
- have a strong urge to empty your bladder
- have blood in your urine or semen
Symptoms of prostate cancer that has spread to the bowel:
The rectum is a section of the bowel located near the prostate. Although it is uncommon, prostate cancer can spread to the bowel. If this occurs, you might experience:
– Constipation
– Abdominal pain
– Blood in your stool or from your rectum
Daignosis
If you have any symptoms, your first step is usually to visit your GP. They will discuss your symptoms with you and conduct an examination. Based on their findings,
Treatment options
A team of healthcare professionals (multidisciplinary team) will determine your treatment plan. Most people undergo surgery to remove the affected