From the Research
Yes, advanced prostate cancer can cause urinary retention, as evidenced by the most recent study in 2020 1, which highlights the impact of androgen deprivation therapy on lower urinary tract symptoms in patients with advanced prostate cancer.
Causes of Urinary Retention
As prostate cancer progresses, the tumor can grow large enough to compress or block the urethra, preventing normal urine flow from the bladder. This obstruction leads to incomplete bladder emptying or complete inability to urinate. Advanced prostate cancer may also spread locally to surrounding structures like the bladder neck or invade nearby nerves controlling urination, further contributing to retention issues.
Symptoms and Treatment
Symptoms typically include difficulty starting urination, weak stream, frequent urination (especially at night), urgency, and feeling that the bladder isn't completely empty. In severe cases, complete urinary retention may occur, requiring emergency catheterization. Treatment depends on the cancer stage but may include hormone therapy (like leuprolide or bicalutamide), radiation, chemotherapy, or surgical interventions to relieve the obstruction, as noted in studies such as 2 and 3.
Management and Quality of Life
Patients experiencing urinary symptoms should seek immediate medical attention, as urinary retention can lead to kidney damage if left untreated. Management often requires a multidisciplinary approach involving urologists and oncologists to address both the cancer and urinary complications. The study from 2020 1 emphasizes that androgen deprivation therapy can significantly improve urodynamic parameters, IPSS score, and IPSS-related quality of life, although a subset of patients may still experience persistent lower urinary tract symptoms.
Key Considerations
- Advanced prostate cancer can cause urinary retention due to obstruction or nerve invasion.
- Symptoms include difficulty urinating, weak stream, and frequent urination.
- Treatment may involve hormone therapy, radiation, chemotherapy, or surgery.
- Prompt medical attention is necessary to prevent kidney damage.
- A multidisciplinary approach is often required for management, as highlighted by studies such as 4 and 5.