Condition Basics
What is advanced or metastatic prostate cancer?
Prostate cancer is the abnormal growth of cells in the prostate gland. The prostate is part of the male reproductive system. Locally advanced prostate cancer means that the cancer has spread beyond the prostate and into nearby tissue. Metastatic prostate cancer means that the cancer has spread, or metastasized, to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
Recurrent prostate cancer means that the cancer has come back after it was treated. The cancer can come back in the prostate. Or it can come back near the prostate or in another part of the body. If it comes back in another part of the body—often the bones—it is still called prostate cancer because it started in the prostate.
What are the symptoms?
Possible symptoms of locally advanced prostate cancer may include trouble urinating or pain when you urinate. Symptoms of metastatic prostate cancer may include bone pain, weight loss, or swelling in your legs and feet. Sometimes there are no symptoms of locally advanced or metastatic prostate cancer.
How is it diagnosed?
Advanced and metastatic prostate cancer are diagnosed using a combination of a physical exam, blood tests, imaging tests, and sometimes biopsies. If you've had prostate cancer before, you'll likely be having regular PSA tests. Other tests to see if the cancer has come back or spread include bone scans, PET-CT scans, and MRI scans.
How is advanced or metastatic prostate cancer treated?
Advanced or metastatic prostate cancer may be treated with hormone therapy, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. Some of these treatments may be combined. Other options may include surgery or observation. For either type of cancer, your doctor may suggest a clinical trial.
