How do I know if my prostate cancer has spread at age 46?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 46-year-old male who was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer after PSA testing and a biopsy. My doctors are still discussing treatment options, but what scares me most is not knowing whether it has already spread outside the prostate.

I have had some lower back pain recently, and now every ache makes me panic. How do I know if my prostate cancer has spread at 46? My MRI showed “possible extracapsular extension,” but according to the report, the bone scan was unclear.

Please advise.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand why this is causing you so much anxiety. After a prostate cancer diagnosis, it is very common for people to worry that every new ache or pain means the cancer has spread.

The important thing to remember is that lower back pain by itself is extremely common and, in many cases, unrelated to prostate cancer, especially at your age. What matters more is the overall picture from the imaging studies and biopsy results together.

When an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) mentions “possible extracapsular extension,” it means there may be some local spread just outside the prostate capsule. However, this is very different from widespread metastatic disease.

This does not necessarily imply that the cancer has metastasized to the bones and other organs. If there is an indeterminate bone scan, it does not automatically imply that the cancer has metastasized. The bone scan may be positive for nonspecific results due to arthritis, past injuries, or aging. This is the reason why the doctor evaluates the results of the bone scan in relation to PSA levels, Gleason score, MRI, and other tests as necessary.

At this stage, the next step is usually to clarify the cancer staging as accurately as possible before deciding on treatment. In some cases, a PSMA PET (prostate-specific membrane antigen and positron emission tomography) scan may be recommended if there is still uncertainty about whether the cancer has spread.

Try not to assume the worst based on a single phrase in a report. Many men with suspected extracapsular extension are still treated with curative intent and do very well long term.

I hope you find my reply helpful.

Please revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.