When is leg pain a sign of prostate cancer? Leg pain from prostate cancer can be a sign that the disease has spread to other parts of the body. Prostate cancer may cause leg pain if the disease has affected the lymph nodes around the groin or bones. Prostate cancer occurs when prostate cells begin to divide uncontrollably. When prostate cancer reaches an advanced stage, it can metastasize. This means it spreads to other parts of the body, such as the bones, via the lymphatic system. When cancer spreads from its original location in this way, it can cause a variety of symptoms, including leg pain. Why does prostate cancer cause leg pain? Several factors cause prostate cancer leg pain. The pain may be due to a condition called lymphedema. The body’s lymphatic system is a network of channels and lymph nodes. It filters lymph fluid and helps fight infections. The groin area, which is close to the prostate gland, contains numerous lymph nodes. If prostate cancer reaches a stage where it has spread through the lymphatic system, it can metastasize to the groin area, causing pain and swelling. Cancer cells can block the flow of lymph fluid, causing it to build up, leading to swelling in the legs. Treatments, such as radiation therapy, can also cause blockage and swelling in the lymphatic system. In addition, pain in the legs may occur when the cancer has spread to the bones. Advanced prostate cancer often spreads to the bones, leading to pain, fractures and an increased risk of death. The outer layers of bones have nerves, and cancer that spreads to the bones of the legs can put pressure on these nerves, causing pain. What are the other symptoms of advanced prostate cancer? Advanced prostate cancer can cause a number of symptoms, such as: Severe fatigue; Pain; Problems with the urinary system, including problems with emptying the bladder, passing urine, blood in the urine, and kidney problems; Bowel problems, including diarrhea, constipation, flatulence, or urgency; Bone fractures; Sexual problems, such as low libido due to hormone therapy or erectile dysfunction; Lymphedema, or a buildup of lymph fluid that causes swelling; Anemia; Metastatic spinal cord compression, when prostate cancer cells spread and grow near the spine, putting pressure on the spinal cord; Hypercalcemia, or too high levels of calcium in the blood; Loss of appetite and weight loss due to the cancer itself or due to treatment What are ways to manage prostate cancer pain? Methods by which lymphatic drainage can be increased and leg pain associated with prostate cancer relieved include:Performing a lymphatic drainage massage; Performing light exercises; Using compression bandages or stockings; Wearing tight-fitting underwear or Lycra cycling shorts specifically to deal with penile or scrotal swelling In addition to swelling and pain, lymphedema can cause inflammation, redness or discoloration, infection, and tight or sore skin on the legs. Regular cleansing and moisturizing can help keep the skin soft and reduce the risk of cracking and infection. When should medical attention be sought? If signs of prostate cancer appear, including unexplained pain in the legs, a doctor’s consultation is necessary. Symptoms that are also alarming include: Pain in the back, hips or pelvis; Problems getting or maintaining an erection; Presence of blood in semen or urine; Weight loss for no apparent reason. During the physical exam, the doctor will check the prostate gland to make sure there is no enlargement or inflammation due to infection or cancer. References: 1. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Leslie, SW, et al. (2022). Prostate cancer 2. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). Wong, SK, et al. (2019). Prostate cancer and bone metastases: The underlying mechanisms 3. Medical News Today. What to know about prostate cancer and leg pain