Neurological symptoms as the first sign of prostate carcinoma

Three male patients aged 82, 56 and 60 years presented with cognitive impairment and hemiparesis, weakness of the tongue and facial muscles, and pain and weakness of the left arm, respectively. They were found to have carcinoma of the prostate with cerebral, skull and cervical spine metastases. They were treated with hormonal therapy and local radiotherapy for bone metastases. The first patient died within 2 weeks, the second after 1.5 year, and the third was still alive after 6 years. The diagnostic work-up in men with unexplained neurological symptoms should probably include a rectal exam and assessment of prostate-specific antigen.