What should you know about prostate cancer metastasis to spinal cord?

Metastasis means cancer cells have travelled from the prostate to another part of the body. In or near the spinal canal, a tumour or affected bone can narrow the space around the spinal cord or its nerve roots. Possible effects include back pain, tingling, numbness, weakness, changes in walking, or altered bladder and bowel control. A scan, often chosen according to the symptoms and examination, helps clinicians locate the problem and guide treatment.

Contact the oncology team promptly about new back pain, limb weakness, numbness, or changes in urination. Assessment may involve a neurological examination and imaging. Treatment is individualised and may include radiotherapy to relieve pressure or control a focused area, medicines to reduce swelling or pain, systemic cancer treatment, or surgery when stability or decompression is needed. Bone-strengthening therapy may also be discussed when cancer affects bone.

Go to an emergency department immediately for new or worsening leg weakness, difficulty standing or walking, loss of feeling, inability to pass urine, or loss of bladder or bowel control. These changes can signal spinal cord compression, where early treatment may help protect nerve function. Difficulty passing urine has several possible causes, so report it urgently when it occurs with back symptoms or weakness.

Ask which scan is needed, whether the spinal cord or nearby nerve roots are affected, how quickly treatment should begin, what symptoms should trigger emergency help, and how pain, mobility, bladder function, and bone health will be supported.