Warning Signs Your Fever Is Actually A Prostate Problem

You know that feeling. Your body feels like it's on fire, and your forehead is warm to the touch. You might even sweat through your pajamas and bed sheets. A fever is your body's response to an infection or some sort of inflammation. By raising your body temperature, bacteria and viruses have a tougher time surviving.

A fever could also accompany prostate cancer, urologist Dr. Justin Houman tells Health Digest. "If a fever is persistent and associated with other concerning symptoms, it warrants further evaluation," he said. These concerning symptoms include blood in your urine or semen, pelvic or lower back pain, or weakness.

Prostate cancer might also cause urinary symptoms similar to an enlarged prostate, such as difficulty starting or stopping urination, a weak urine stream, painful urination, or an increase in urinary frequency, particularly at night. Unlike an enlarged prostate, prostate cancer might cause weight loss. "If you're losing weight without trying, especially along with other symptoms, it's a red flag," Houman said.

According to Houman, fever isn't a common symptom of prostate cancer. "Most men with prostate cancer do not experience fever at any point in their disease course," he said. Prostate cancer could trigger a fever for a few reasons. First, prostate cancer cells can block the flow of urine, and this urinary blockage could cause a urinary infection or prostatitis. As a result, the body responds with a fever to help fight the infection.

In rare cases, prostate cancer could secrete proteins or hormones that cause your immune system to attack your nervous system or other organs of the body. This is called paraneoplastic syndrome. Along with a fever, paraneoplastic syndrome can also cause night sweats and weight loss.

You might also develop a fever as an inflammatory response if the prostate cancer spreads to other parts of your body. Untreated prostate cancer can metastasize to the adrenal glands, bones, liver, or lungs, potentially causing bone fractures, shortness of breath, jaundice, and fever. A fever might be a side effect of cancer treatments such as chemotherapy.

Houman says fever isn't an expected symptom of prostate cancer even in advanced stages unless you also have an infection or systemic inflammation. Although urinary symptoms, fever, or weight loss are some possible symptoms of prostate cancer, some people might not have any noticeable symptoms to warrant seeing a doctor. "Prostate cancer is often silent, particularly in its early stages," Houman said. "In fact, many cases are detected through PSA screening or routine exams rather than symptoms."

The American Cancer Society recommends men who are at an average risk for prostate cancer should begin getting screened for prostate cancer starting at age 50. Men who are African American or have a brother or father with a prostate cancer history are considered at high risk for prostate cancer. They should begin prostate cancer screenings at age 45. Some men at a higher risk might need to get screened at age 40. Prostate cancer screenings generally involve a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and a possible digital rectal exam.