What is the difference between prostate enlargement and prostate cancer, What are their symptoms, causes, and effective treatment methods, Both are common conditions that occur in men with aging.
An enlarged prostate is the result of hormonal changes that lead to an increase in the size of the prostate, while prostate cancer is an abnormal growth of prostate cells. We will learn about the difference between them and their effective treatment.
What is an enlarged prostate
An enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, is a common medical condition that occurs as men age. The prostate gland, located below the bladder, enlarges.
This enlargement puts pressure on the urethra, causing difficulty and frequent urination. This condition is common in men with aging.
What is prostate cancer
Prostate cancer is an abnormal growth of cells within the prostate gland, which is located below the bladder and helps produce semen.
It is one of the most common types of cancer in men, especially after the age of 50. Its growth is often slow, especially in the early stages.
Symptoms of Enlarged Prostate and Cancer
Common symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) include:
- Difficulty starting urination.
- A frequent and urgent need to urinate, especially at night.
- A sensation of not fully emptying the bladder, even after urinating.
- Weak or interrupted urine flow.
- Dribbling at the end of urination.
Common symptoms of prostate cancer include:
- Difficulty starting urination.
- A frequent need to urinate, especially at night.
- Difficulty emptying the bladder completely.
- Pain and burning during urination.
- Difficulty achieving an erection.
- Blood in the urine or semen.
- Pain during intercourse.
- Lower back pain.
- Pelvic pain.
- Weight loss.
What causes an enlarged prostate
An enlarged prostate occurs as a result of hormonal changes associated with aging. Other factors that can cause an enlarged prostate include:
- A hormonal imbalance between testosterone and estrogen levels.
- Being overweight or obese increases the risk of developing an enlarged prostate.
- Foods rich in animal fats and processed meats increase the risk.
- Smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Lack of exercise.
Causes of Prostate Cancer
There is no specific cause for prostate cancer, but there are factors that increase the likelihood of developing it, including obesity, aging, and heredity.
Other factors can contribute to an increased risk, including certain genetic mutations and a diet high in fat and low in fiber.
What is the difference between an enlarged prostate and prostate cancer
An enlarged prostate is a non-cancerous condition resulting from normal cell growth and leading to difficulty urinating. Prostate cancer, on the other hand, is the abnormal, uncontrolled growth of prostate cells that may spread to other parts of the body.
Treatment of an enlarged prostate
Treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia depends on the severity of the symptoms. In mild cases, the doctor may recommend the following medications:
- Alpha-blockers, which relax the prostate muscles to facilitate urine flow, such as tamsulosin or doxazosin.
- Combination therapy involves taking a combination of alpha-blockers and 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors.
- 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, which work to shrink the prostate over time.
- The doctor may also perform a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) using a laparoscope.
- Laser surgery may be used to remove excess prostate tissue.
- Water vapor therapy under local or light anesthesia is considered a rapid recovery period.
- Treatment tips for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
- Avoid fluids before bedtime to reduce the need to urinate at night.
- A warm bath helps relieve pressure and pain.
- Dietary changes, such as spicy or hot foods.
- Exercise.
- Reducing caffeine and alcohol intake.
Prostate cancer treatment methods
Treatment for prostate cancer includes several options depending on the stage of the cancer, including:
- Surgery to remove the entire prostate.
- External radiation therapy.
- Hormonal therapy, which works to reduce testosterone levels.
- Chemotherapy in advanced cases to kill cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy to boost the immune system to fight cancer.
Is prostate cancer dangerous
Yes, prostate cancer can be very dangerous if it spreads to other parts of the body. In its early stages, it is treatable and curable.
Methods for Differentiating Between Benign and Malignant Prostate Hyperplasia
The type of prostate enlargement, whether benign or malignant, is determined through tests:
- Tests for malignant prostate enlargement, such as MRI, prostate tissue biopsy, and ultrasound.
- Tests for benign prostate enlargement, such as urine flow testing and postvoid residual volume testing.
Summary of the Difference Between BPH and Prostate Cancer
The main difference is that benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous condition resulting from normal cell growth. Benign enlargement can cause pressure on the urethra, causing difficulty urinating.
Prostate cancer, on the other hand, is the abnormal, uncontrolled growth of prostate cells and can spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones.