Trusted Care for Prostate Cancer Symptoms in Northern California

Cancer of the prostate gland is called prostate cancer. Some prostate cancers may grow or spread rapidly, however most prostate cancers grow very slowly.

Dignity Health North State offers regular screenings for men, including prostate cancer screenings. If you have symptoms of prostate cancer in Northern California, Find a Doctor to discuss diagnosis and options for personalized treatment.

 

What are the Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?

Because early-stage prostate cancer may not cause symptoms, the disease is often at more advanced stages by the time symptoms appear.

Prostate cancer symptoms can include:

  • Burning or pain with urination
  • Not being able to urinate
  • Difficulty starting to urinate
  • Blood in the semen or urine
  • Weak or stop-and-start urine stream
  • Erection problems
  • Urgent urination
  • Frequent urination, especially at night
  • Pain in the pelvis, hips, or back

Many of these symptoms may also be caused by an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH). Your doctor at Dignity Health North State can diagnose and treat the cause of your symptoms.

 

Diagnosing Prostate Cancer at Dignity Health North State

Screening tests often find prostate cancers before symptoms develop. During a digital rectal exam (DRE), your doctor physically examines your prostate gland for abnormalities. Elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, which are found through a blood test, can indicate the presence of prostate cancer and other conditions of the prostate.

You will need a prostate biopsy if your screening results suggest the presence of cancer. During a prostate biopsy, your doctor takes a sample of cells from your prostate to be examined under a microscope.

To make a complete diagnosis, your doctor may order other tests, such as imaging exams. This information helps your doctor develop a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs.

You can rely on the cancer care team at Dignity Health North State to help you understand your diagnosis and treatment options.