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Enlarged Prostate | BPHBPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or Enlarged Prostate) is the benign growth of the prostate gland, generally originating in the periureteral and transition zones, with subsequent obstructive and irritative voiding symptoms. In other words, it is a benign condition in which an overgrowth of prostate tissue pushes against the prostatic urethra and the bladder, blocking the release of urine. It is said to affect more than half of man over 60. Unfortunately, as one ages, BPH becomes more and more of an issue: 90% of men in their 80s is said to have it. It basically means enlarged prostate. Epidemiology & Demographics(from Ferris Clinical Advisor- 2004)
Synonims for Enlarged prostateBph mainly means benign prostatic hyperplasia. The prefix "hyper-" means above, beyond or excessive; the suffix -plasia=to form. Hyperplasia is defined as an abnormal increase in the volume of a tissue or organ caused by the formation and growth of normal cells. Another term for bph is benign prostatic hyperthophy. The suffix "trophy" refers to nourishment, "hyper"=too much. Basically, this denomination indicates bph as an over-nourished tumor. There is however a big difference between the two, despite the resemblance between their symptoms: with hyperplasia, there is an abnormal increase in the number of the prostate cells. With hypertrophy, it is an increase in the size of the cells. Another synonim is benign enlargement of the prostate (BEP). Simply put, bph means one has an enlarged prostate gland (swollen prostate gland). It is a "benign" (latin: benignus="mild") tumor as opposed to "malignant" (latin: malignus=bad) tumors (neoplasms) such as prostate cancer. In both cases, we talk about enlarged prostate, but the mechanisms which make this happen are quite different. Both benign and malignant cells tend to multiply, and since the prostate gland is basically enclosed within a capsule, the symptoms will resemble a lot. BPH vs Prostate CancerBPH is merely a multiplication of normal prostate cells. As a result of decrease in testosterone levels the prostate gland tends to become enlarged, but its cells are normal cells. This is not the case with prostate cancer. It starts as a small tumor, formed of abnormal cells. Both BPH and prostate cancer can have the same effects: they constrict the urethra and can block the normal flow of urine. Another difference between benign prostatic hypertrophy and prostate cancer is that bph cells don't infiltrate nearby tissues. They just stay within the boundaries of the prostatic capsule. This is not the case with prostate cancer: the malignant tumor can attack the nearby bones, lymphatic nodes etc. In this case, it is said that is has metastasized. Both tumors determine urine flow issues. Sometimes, BPH grows so large that it pushes up on the bladder, and may even cause a pool to form in the bladder, thus residual urine is kept inside the bladder and it may lead to further complications. BPH is much more common than prostate cancer. As with all prostatic disorders, Benign prostatic hyperplasia should be properly and rapidly diagnosed, in order to evaluate treatment options and to rule out other more serious problems such as prostate cancer. The prostate enlargement symptoms are located in the uro-genital area. Its growth and development is linked to the levels of testosterone, as urologists point out more and more often. This is one of the reasons why most non-invasive treatment options nowadays tend to focus on controlling the levels of testosterone/estrogen and of the enzymes involved in their transformations (5 alpha-reductase). Read on for more information about symptoms, diagnosis and treatment options for enlarged prostate gland or BPH.
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Prostate Health & Prostate Treatments
Enlarged Prostate | BPH
Enlarged Prostate | BPH