The most common place for prostate cancer to spread to is the bones. But, other areas of the body can also be affected.

If cancer spreads outside the prostate gland it can do this in two ways.

• By growing into parts of the body close by, such as the lymph nodes, the bladder or the rectum.
• By spreading in the blood to organs further away, such as the bones.

Our diagram in the prostate cancer section shows the position of the prostate and organs nearby.

Cancer that spreads to the lymph nodes in the pelvis may not cause any symptoms. But, if the lymph nodes become enlarged there may be some discomfort or pain in the pelvis. If the lymph nodes become blocked it can cause swelling in one or both legs. This happens if fluid (called lymph) that is usually drained through the lymph nodes can't flow freely and builds up in the legs. It is called lymphoedema.

Sometimes prostate cancer grows into the bladder. This might cause symptoms such as difficulty with peeing. However, most men who have these symptoms don't have prostate cancer in the bladder.

If prostate cancer affects the rectum this can cause problems with constipation and bleeding from the bowel, but is not common.

Prostate cancer cells can spread in the blood to the bones. This is called secondary bone cancer. Usually more than one area of bone is affected. The symptoms include aching or pain in the bones.

Prostate cancer can also spread in the blood to the lungs or liver. This is much less common than the spread to the bones.

The usual treatment for prostate cancer that has spread is hormonal therapy. This is particularly effective for treating secondary bone cancer. If other areas of the body, such as the lungs or liver are affected, hormonal therapy may be less effective and chemotherapy may be considered.