Prostate Cancer Metastatic Disease
What is Metastatic Prostate Cancer?
Metastatic cancer is cancer that has spread from the primary cancer site, in which it originated, to other parts of the body. Metastatic prostate cancer occurs when cancer has spread from the prostate to other organs or areas in the body such as the bones and lymph nodes. Prostate cancer can spread to many different areas of the body and metastatic prostate cancer represents the most serious stage of the disease.
What Are The Symptoms of Metastatic Prostate Cancer?
Symptoms of metastatic prostate cancer depend on where the cancer has spread. Common symptoms can include:
- Bone pain
- Difficulty urinating
- Fatigue or weakness
- Frequent urination
- Swelling in the feet, legs, or other areas
- Weight loss
Diagnosis of Metastatic Prostate Cancer
In order to diagnose metastatic prostate cancer, a doctor will need to perform a physical examination, order imaging studies, and take a biopsy (tissue sample) to detect cancer cells. Imaging studies may include an ultrasound scan, a CT scan, or an MRI. A biopsy may be used to check for cancer cells in the bone marrow, blood, or lymph nodes. The biopsy results will help determine the extent of the cancer and whether it has spread to other areas of the body.
Treatment of Metastatic Prostate Cancer
Treatment for metastatic prostate cancer is focused on slowing the growth of the cancer and relieving symptoms. Treatment may involve chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapies (such as immunotherapy), or surgery to remove metastases. Depending on the individual, treatments may be given in combination with one another. Ultimately, the goal is to improve the patient’s quality of life and extend survival.