Chronic Back Pain Leads to Stage 4 Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

According to a report from Khaosod Online, a 62-year-old factory owner recently received a diagnosis of stage 4 prostate cancer after suffering from chronic back pain for three years. The patient had been seeking orthopedic treatment for his back issues without success. It was only after he began experiencing urinary difficulties—specifically a weak stream—that he consulted a urologist. Medical examinations confirmed that the cancer had metastasized to his spine, identifying the malignancy as the underlying cause of his long-term back pain.

Dr. Gu Fang-Yu, director of Gujia Medical, noted that early-stage prostate cancer often progresses slowly and remains asymptomatic. Many patients mistake early warning signs, such as frequent nighttime urination or a weakened urinary stream, for normal aging or benign prostatic hyperplasia. In this case, the patient’s Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) levels were recorded between 10 and 11, exceeding the typical reference range of 4–10.

For residents and travelers in Thailand, this case highlights the importance of not dismissing persistent physical discomfort as a simple orthopedic issue. While this report provides a specific clinical example, it serves as a reminder that symptoms involving urinary changes should be evaluated by a specialist. It remains to be confirmed whether the patient’s previous orthopedic consultations included screenings that might have detected the condition earlier.