Don't Panic: BPH is Not a Gateway to Prostate Cancer
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As you age, you may find yourself making frequent trips to the bathroom and that your urinary stream has slowed. In men, this is a phenomenon commonly associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). In lay terms, BPH refers to an enlarged prostate.
While these urinary symptoms can be frustrating, they are a natural part of aging. Globally, by age 60, half of men will develop symptoms from an enlarged prostate. This number rises to 90% by the age of 85.
If you are experiencing changes in the way you pass urine, you may wonder if you could have prostate cancer. This article outlines the differences between BPH and prostate cancer.
The term "benign" indicates that the cells are not cancerous or malignant.
“Hyperplasia” means an increased number of cells in an organ, leading to an enlargement of the affected organ.
Similarities between BPH and prostate cancer
Other than both being conditions of the prostate and associated with aging, BPH and prostate cancer have very little in common. Prostate cancer rarely causes urinary symptoms unless it is quite advanced. As a result, most men experiencing urinary symptoms will not have prostate cancer. Urinary symptoms that are associated with BPH include a weak stream, frequency, urgency, intermittent stream, incomplete emptying, and nighttime urination.
Blood in the urine, burning with urination, an acute flare of symptoms, and non-urinary symptoms are not typically associated with BPH and should prompt workup for another cause.
While they may share similarities, do remember that BPH is not the onset of prostate cancer. They are two distinct conditions.
Diagnosis of BPH
Diagnosis of BPH is usually based on symptoms, medical history and physical examination, including a digital rectal exam. During this exam, your doctor will insert a gloved, lubricated finger into your rectum to examine:
- Size of your prostate
- Firmness and texture of your prostate
- The wall of your colon and rectum
- Any abnormal growth (bumps and soft or hard spots) around your prostate
- Any pain when touched
A digital rectal exam is typically not painful, but it can cause minor discomfort, especially for a person with an enlarged prostate. Some individuals may experience an urgent need to urinate during the examination.
A urinalysis is also important to ensure that no blood or signs of infection are present in the urine, which could suggest another cause of urinary symptoms.
Besides BPH, a digital rectal exam is also performed on individuals who may be suspected to have prostate cancer. Additional tests, such as a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), may be done.
What next?
If the results of your physical exam, PSA and/or MRI suggest an elevated risk for prostate cancer, your doctor will recommend a prostate biopsy for a definitive diagnosis. If the condition is more indicative of BPH and the symptoms are manageable, most doctors recommend a ‘wait and watch’ approach. Generally, symptoms of BPH tend to progress gradually over a few years, with a possibility for them to improve on their own. However, if your symptoms worsen or significantly impact your quality of life, doctors will likely offer medication to alleviate the symptoms originating from your enlarged prostate gland.
Remember, BPH does not increase your risk for prostate cancer. While it is possible to experience both issues, one does not lead to the other.
Learn more: Treatments for an Enlarged Prostate
