Enlarged Prostate
Benign Prostate Hypertrophy
Benign Prostate Hypertrophy is a growth of the Prostate gland that might make it difficult for men to urinate. It is not cancer, but a doctor should check the male patients that have difficulty urinating.
Enlarged Prostate might happen to men after the age of 40. nearly 80 percent of all men have Enlarged Prostate at the age of 80.
In many patients older than 50 years, the prostate gland enlarger extended upwards into the bladder and obstructs urine outflow by impinging on the vesical orifice. The enlargement takes place in the inner part of the Prostate.
Hyperplasia: Increased number of cells causing enlargement.
Hypertrophy: Increase in size of the cells causing enlargement
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia ( BPH ), also termed as Benign Enlargement of the Prostate (BEP), adenofibromyomatous hyperplasia, and benign prostatic hypertrophy is an increase in the size of the Prostate.
What is the main cause of prostate enlargement
BPH involves hyperplasia prostatic stromal and epithelial cells, resulting in large, somewhat discrete nodules in the Prostate’s periurethral region. When it is sufficiently large, the enlarged nodules compress the urethral canal—as a result, causing partial or sometimes virtually complete obstruction of the urethra.
The enlarged nodule develops in the inner part of the Prostate.
Enlarged Prostate Diagnosis
- History and physical examination
- Digital Rectal Examination: To assess the prostate size, symmetry, and consistency and differentiate BPH from Prostate enlargement.
- Uroflowmetry: This may be done to assess the voiding pattern to measure urine/sec flow and measure maximum and average flow rates. A full urine flow of 1.2cc/sec or more at the age of 55 years.
- IPSS ( International Prostate symptom score index)
- TRUS (Transrectal ultrasonography)- This is done to see an accurate assessment of the prostate size and differentiate BPH and prostate cancer.
- Cystourotheroscopy- To see Urethra and Bladder.
- Urine Analysis- To analyze for any infection.
- Post-void catheterization to know the amount of residual
- Blood Test for serum creatinine, urea level, and electrolytes.
- Radiographic studies
- Biopsy
Etiology and Risk Factors of Enlarged Prostate
- Advanced age over 60 years.
- Obesity (particularly an increased abdominal grith)
- Smoking has a slight effect on BPH because it reduces serum testosterone levels.
- Heavy alcohol use and Cirrhosis of the liver
- Directory intake of saturated fatty acid ( Butter, cheese, etc.)
- Low physical activity
- Excess accumulation of DHT ( Dihydrotestosterone)
- Estrogen plays a role in the etiology.
- Genetic factors also play a role in influencing the risk of BPH.
Takeaway:There is no need to worry because Enlarged Prostate does not mean it is cancerous, and aged people above 60 are more likely to have this condition.