Prostate cancer and your kidneys

The prostate gland, though a part of the reproductive system, is found just below the bladder and can affect the urinary system, including the kidneys. It wraps around the tube that carries urine through the penis. Some of the ways prostate cancer affects the kidneys are listed.{{more}}

1) A decrease in the flow of urine. These changes may be subtle initially. Persons may notice that their ‘pee’ takes longer to start flowing. The flow can become intermittent or is not as forceful as it used to be, or urine leaks after one is finished urinating. This is a result of the gland becoming enlarged and squeezing on the tube carrying the urine. It may also result in the complete blockage of the tube, commonly called “stoppage of water,” where the patient states that he is unable to pass urine altogether. This may be accompanied by abdominal pain. Not all patients with these symptoms may be diagnosed with prostate cancer.

2) An increase in the frequency of urination in the day or at nights.

3) Swelling of the kidney is a result of a prolonged poor flow of urine where the urine backs up in the bladder, the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys and the kidneys, causing them to become distended with urine. An ultrasound of the abdomen can confirm this. Sometimes, the bladder may become so swollen that it can be felt in the lower part of the abdomen. This may or may not be accompanied by pain.

4) Blood in the urine or semen. This often prompts persons to seek medical attention urgently. The amount of blood noted in the urine may vary from darkening of urine with small quantities of blood to very large quantities of blood with clots. In some instances blood loss can be so significant that it requires blood transfusion.. Urine infections, medications, kidney stones, and bladder cancer are some of the other things that can cause blood in the urine. Blood in the urine should be investigated by a doctor.

5) Frequent and recurrent urine infections. This may result from the blockage of the tubes or from a weakened immune system in persons treated with chemotherapy.

6) Kidney failure is often a result of obstruction. This sometimes can be reversed by the placing of a tube in the bladder to bypass the blockage.

7) The treatment of prostate cancer by surgery can result in leakage of urine. If radiation is used in the treatment, frequent urination and bladder pain are also possible side effects.

Any of these symptoms should prompt medical attention.

Dr R Twanna Browne-Caesar, MBBS, FASN

Consultant Nephrology and Internal Medicine MCMH

Associate Professor All Saints University St Vincent