Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer are two of the most common conditions that affect the prostate.
The prostate gland is a small, walnut-shaped organ located below the bladder, between the base of the penis and the rectum. It is responsible for supplying part of your seminal fluid and plays a role in ejaculation.
In both BPH and prostate cancer, the prostate gland becomes enlarged. However, BPH is a benign, non-cancerous condition that cannot spread. Prostate cancer, on the other hand, can spread to different parts of the body and organs if left untreated.
So, how can you tell the difference between BPH vs prostate cancer? Keep reading to understand BPH and prostate cancer basics, learn their key differences, how to tell their symptoms apart, and when to seek medical treatment.
BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland caused by abnormal cell growth that causes enlargement and pressure on the urethra. While we don’t know why some men develop BPH, the following factors may increase your risk:
Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor that forms within the prostate gland. When cancerous cells grow abnormally, they require medical intervention to avoid metastasis (spreading).
Unlike some cancers, prostate cancer is often slow-growing. This means it can be asymptomatic in the early stages of development, making it difficult to diagnose without regular diagnostic and preventive screening tests.
While there is some overlap between BPH and prostate cancer risk factors, like being over age 50 and having a family history, risk factors for prostate cancer vary slightly. Additional risk factors include:
When it comes to diagnosing BPH and prostate cancer, there are similarities and differences. But how can you tell the difference?
Symptoms common to both BPH and prostate cancer include:
Men experiencing BPH symptoms may feel like their bladder hasn’t emptied, even after they’ve just urinated. They may also need to strain or push to start the flow of urine, and—even when urine starts flowing—it may be difficult to produce more than a dribble.
However, as prostate cancer progresses, you may notice the following symptoms:
If you are having difficulty discerning symptoms of BPH vs prostate cancer, seeking medical evaluation for proper diagnosis and treatment is crucial to avoid complications.
If you’re experiencing any symptoms of BPH or prostate cancer, visit your doctor right away.
They can assess your symptoms and help determine the root cause of your pain and discomfort.
During your visit, your healthcare provider may conduct the following:
BPH vs prostate cancer PSA levels can be four or higher and indicate prostate enlargement.
However, heightened PSA levels alone cannot differentiate prostate cancer vs BPH because it is common for both conditions to have it.
For this reason, your doctor may also need to take a small tissue sample from your prostate (known as a biopsy) to examine it for cancerous cells.
Once the cause of your urinary tract symptoms and prostate enlargement is accurately diagnosed, you can begin exploring treatment options.
As most cases of prostate cancer are typically slow-growing, your doctor may advise watching your condition before beginning any medical interventions. However, you may need a more aggressive treatment approach, such as:
If you are diagnosed with BPH, you can often manage symptoms with lifestyle changes and medications. If these treatment options do not provide relief, the skilled specialists at Georgia Prostate Institute invite you to explore our prostatic artery embolization treatment. PAE treatment for BPH is a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that helps alleviate urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate.
Request a consultation today to begin your journey toward long-term relief and improved quality of life.
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