Symptoms of prostate cancer bone metastases

Pain may be deep, localised to the back, hips, ribs or other bones, and may become worse with movement or at night. Affected bone can be more fragile, causing a fracture after a minor injury. Metastases near the spine can press on nerves and lead to tingling, numbness or weakness. High calcium in the blood can cause thirst, constipation, nausea, confusion or unusual tiredness. These symptoms can also have non-cancer causes, so they need assessment rather than self-diagnosis.

Some bone metastases are found on imaging before they cause symptoms. The absence of pain does not rule out a bone change, and new pain does not by itself prove that cancer has spread.

Tell your oncology team about pain that persists, changes, limits sleep or affects walking. Record where it is, when it started, what makes it worse and what medicines you have tried. Your team may arrange imaging, blood tests and a review of mobility. Pain management, palliative radiotherapy and bone-strengthening therapy can be considered alongside cancer treatment.

Get emergency help for sudden or severe back pain with leg weakness, numbness, difficulty walking, or loss of bladder or bowel control. Seek urgent assessment for a suspected fracture, severe confusion, repeated vomiting or marked thirst with worsening weakness. These symptoms can reflect spinal nerve pressure, injury or a blood chemistry problem.

Ask whether your symptoms could relate to bone involvement, which tests are appropriate, how to move safely, and which pain medicines fit your other conditions. Ask how quickly to report a change and whether a specialist in cancer pain management could help.