Researchers: Enlarged Prostate Lowers Odds Of Significant Prostate Cancer
Thursday, August 19, 2021
Previous studies unclear on relationship between BPH and cancer risk
A team of Beaumont Health researchers from Radiology, Radiation Oncology and Urology studied the relationship between benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, and prostate cancer in 405 men by quantitatively looking at different parts of prostate tissue on MRI.
People often confuse an enlarged prostate gland with cancer given their symptoms and believe increased size is due to abnormal growth, said researcher Dr. Kiran Nandalur, vice chief of Diagnostic Radiology and Molecular Imaging, Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak. On the contrary, our research showed patients with an enlarged prostate appear to have lower odds of significant prostate cancer.
The findings were recently published in The Prostate, a peer-reviewed medical journal: Benign prostate hyperplasia as a potential protective factor against prostate cancer: Insights from a magnetic resonance imaging study of compositional characteristics.
Explained Dr. Nandalur, Prostate MRI, which is noninvasive imaging without radiation, is a powerful radiology test to look at the different anatomy of the prostate, specifically differentiating the central and outer aspects of the prostate gland, and also for underlying cancer.
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Tests To Diagnose Prostate Cancer
These tests can confirm a prostate cancer diagnosis:
- Ultrasounduses sound waves to make pictures of your prostate gland.
- A biopsyremoves a sample of prostate tissue and checks it under a microscope for cancer.
Which treatments you get for BPH depend on the size of your prostate and how severe your symptoms are.
For mild to moderate symptoms, your doctor might prescribe one of these medicines:
- Alpha-blockers relax muscles in your bladder and prostate to help you urinate more easily. They include alfuzosin , doxazosin , and tamsulosin .
- 5-alpha reductase inhibitors shrink your prostate. They include dutasteride and finasteride .
Doctors use surgery to treat severe BPH symptoms:
Learn more: What you need to know about prostate surgery »
Treatments for prostate cancer include:
- Active surveillance or watchful waiting: You dont get treated right away. Instead, your doctor watches your symptoms or does regular DRE and PSA tests to check for cancer growth.
- Surgery: A procedure called a radical prostatectomy removes the prostate gland and some of the tissue around it.
- Radiation therapy: Radiation uses high-energy X-rays to destroy prostate cancer. Youre exposed to radiation from a machine outside your body. Or you can get it through small radioactive pellets or seeds placed inside your prostate.
- Cryotherapy: This treatment uses intense cold to destroy prostate tissue.
- Hormone therapy: You take medicine to block the male hormones that fuel the growth of prostate cancer.
Diagnosing Benign Prostate Enlargement
You might have several different tests to find out if you have an enlarged prostate.
A GP may do some of these tests, such as a urine test, but others might need to be done at a hospital.
Some tests may be needed to rule out other conditions that cause similar symptoms to BPE, such as prostate cancer.
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Another type of prostate issue is chronic prostatitis, or chronic pelvic pain syndrome. This condition causes pain in the lower back and groin area, and may cause urinary retention. Symptoms include leaking and discomfort. In severe cases, a catheter may be required to relieve the symptoms. If the problem is unresponsive to other treatments, your doctor may suggest a surgical procedure. If these do not work, your symptoms could progress and become chronic.
An acute bacterial infection can cause a burning sensation. Inflammation of the prostate can affect the bladder and result in discomfort and other symptoms. This is the most common urinary tract problem in men under 50, and the third most common in men over 65. The symptoms of acute bacterial prostatitis are similar to those of CPPS. Patients may experience a fever or chills as a result of the infection.
Prostatitis Vs Prostate Cancer: How To Tell The Difference
The prostate gland is an integral part of the male reproductive system. The gland secretes prostate fluid, which nourishes sperm. The gland sits around the urethra, which forms part of the urinary tract.
A prostate problem can result in complications with the functioning of this gland. In some cases, prostate conditions can also lead to urinary symptoms.
Multiple conditions can affect the prostate gland. Prostatitis vs prostate cancer is a common comparison, particularly due to the common symptoms in many cases.
Understanding the signs that signal a prostate condition is important. Men should also understand the difference between these two conditions. In this post, we take a look at how they differ and the available treatments.
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How Is Bph Treated
If your prostate is mildly enlarged and youâre not bothered by symptoms, thereâs no danger in living with BPH. Unless you develop troublesome symptoms or your annual checkup uncovers something new, you may not need treatment.
When symptoms are a problem, you can do a few things on your own to relieve them, such as:
- Cut down on fluids as you get close to bedtime
- Go easy on alcohol and caffeine
- Avoid diuretics, medicines that move extra fluid out of your body, at least at night
- Exercise your pelvic floor muscles
Treatment for BPH may include medications that can help control the growth of your prostate and reduce symptoms. Some of these are:
- Alpha blockers: These help relax muscles and improve the flow of urine
- Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors: Theyâre usually prescribed for erection problems, and may help relax muscles in the lower urinary tract
- 5-alpha reductase inhibitors: They help block your bodyâs production of DHT hormone
If medicines donât work, your doctor may recommend a minimally invasive procedure to destroy specific areas of prostate tissue. Some of these are:
- Transurethral needle ablation, which uses radio waves to destroy excess tissue
- Transurethral microwave thermotherapy, which uses microwave energy
- High-intensity focused ultrasound , which removes tissue with ultrasonic waves
- Transurethral electrovaporization, which works by using heat in a focused area
- Water-induced thermotherapy, which uses heated water to remove the extra tissue
When It Gets Bigger It Can Block
All men are at risk for prostate problems, which include prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia , and prostatitis. Learn what indicators you should look for and what symptoms may be due to a condition other than prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is caused by changes in the genes of a normal prostate cell. Prostate cancer is a common type of cancer in men, according to the mayo clinic. When it gets bigger, it can block. One in seven men in the united states will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis during his lifetime. It may grow slowly and its typically treatable. Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer diagnosed in men. Being armed with information is vital to begin the fight. Although screenings for prostate cancer are one tool for early detecti. Find the information you need today. The prostate gland is underneath the bladder. Both prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia can cause an enlarged prostate,.
When it gets bigger, it can block. Although screenings for prostate cancer are one tool for early detecti. What is benign prostatic hyperplasia? As a point of clarification, signs of pro. Do you know your odds of developing a.
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Publication Bias And Sensitivity Analysis
A visual inspection showed some asymmetry in the funnel plot for prostate cancer but none in the funnel plot for bladder cancer . Egger’s tests indicated no significant publication bias .
For both prostate cancer and bladder cancer, sensitivity analyses by excluding studies with high risk of bias, studies without matching or adjusting for any potentially confounding factor, or single-arm cohort studies did not show major influence to the estimated effects. BPH remained a significant risk factor for bladder cancer after excluding the studies performed diabetes patients .
Treatment Options For Bph
BPH is treated with medications that shrink the prostate and reduce urinary symptoms.
Drugs called 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors block conversion of testosterone to a substance that contributes to the benign prostate growth, called dihydrotestosterone . These drugs include dutasteride and finasteride .
Drugs called alpha-blockers can help relax the prostate and bladder neck, and improve urine flow. These drugs include doxazosin , tamsulosin , and terazosin .
Your doctor may prescribe one of these drugs or a combination of them.
If medications dont help or your symptoms are severe, your urologist may recommend a less invasive procedure to destroy the extra prostate tissue and widen the urethra within the prostate. The procedure may use one of the following:
- heat with radiofrequency ablation
- high-intensity ultrasound waves
- electric current vaporization
Surgery is a longer-term solution. During BPH surgery, the doctor uses a cutting wire loop or laser to cut away the excess prostate tissue.
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What You Need To Know About The Prostate Symptoms Of Bph Vs Prostate Cancer
A enlarged prostate can also cause blockages in the urethra. A blocked urethra can also damage the kidneys. A patient suffering from an enlargement of the prostate may have pain in his lower abdomen and genitals. If pain is present, a digital rectal examination will reveal hard areas. A doctor may prescribe surgery or perform an endoscopic procedure. If the enlarged prostate is not completely removed, it will shrink.
While the size of an enlarged prostate will influence the extent of urinary symptoms, men may experience a range of urinary symptoms. Some men have minimal or no symptoms at all. Some men will have a very enlarged prostate, whereas others will have a mild enlargement. Generally, the symptoms can stabilize over time. Some men may have an enlarged prostate but not notice it. If they have an enlarged colon, their physician can perform a TURP procedure.
What You Need To Know About The Prostate Symptoms Bph Vs Prostate Cancer
A enlarged prostate can also cause blockages in the urethra. A blocked urethra can also damage the kidneys. A patient suffering from an enlargement of the prostate may have pain in his lower abdomen and genitals. If pain is present, a digital rectal examination will reveal hard areas. A doctor may prescribe surgery or perform an endoscopic procedure. If the enlarged prostate is not completely removed, it will shrink.
While the size of an enlarged prostate will influence the extent of urinary symptoms, men may experience a range of urinary symptoms. Some men have minimal or no symptoms at all. Some men will have a very enlarged prostate, whereas others will have a mild enlargement. Generally, the symptoms can stabilize over time. Some men may have an enlarged prostate but not notice it. If they have an enlarged colon, their physician can perform a TURP procedure.
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The Right Solution For Many Bph Patients
The UroLift®System treatment provides rapid relief and recovery for men living with symptoms of an enlarged prostate.1,9,10 It reopens the channel, with no cutting, burning or removal of prostate tissue.
Most men living with enlarged prostate symptoms take prescription medications after theyre diagnosed but these prescriptions often dont provide adequate relief and may cause dizziness, fatigue, and sexual dysfunction.2 Medications don’t need to become a lifelong burden and men dont need to wait until surgery is required to address the problem. With the UroLift System treatment, men suffering from BPH symptoms can avoid traditional surgery altogether.
1. Roehrborn et al. Can J Urol 2017
2. AUA Guidelines 2003, 2020
3. Wasson, Perspectives in Nursing 2000
4. NIH U.S. National Library of Medicine TURP patient instructions
5. Sonksen, EU Urol, 2015 BPH6 Study
6. Berry, et al., J Urol 1984
7. U.S. Census Bureau – International Database by Region, Age and Year
8. Wei, JT et al., Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia 2007
9. Shore, Can J Urol 2014
10. Eure J Endourol 2019
11. McVary J Sex Med 2016
12. Roehrborn, J Urology, 2013
*No instances of new, sustained erectile or ejaculatory dysfunction in the LIFT pivotal study
Caution: Federal law restricts this device to sale by or on the order of a physician.
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Bph Vs Prostate Cancer
Many men are unfamiliar with the state of their prostate or the problems it can encounter. A 2019 survey showed that 1 in 4 men older than 50 knew about the prostates primary function. But, they had many misconceptions about prostate health.
Only 38% of respondents correctly identified benign prostatic hyperplasia . Just 17% of those evaluated correctly stated that enlarged prostate symptoms were not a typical sign of aging.
These results are worrying since they targeted an age group that is most likely to develop prostate-related disorders, especially enlarged prostate and prostate cancer. Improving awareness of prostate health is a crucial factor for a healthy body.
Thats why it is vital for men to differentiate and recognize the two conditions. Here, people can take a closer look at these highly prevalent conditions, including their similarities and differences. So, lets begin.
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Risk Factors For Bph And Prostate Cancer
The word âbenignâ in benign prostatic hyperplasia means itâs not cancer. âHyperplasiaâ means an increased number of cells. BPH is also known as an enlarged prostate.
Itâs not clear what causes an enlarged prostate, but age appears to play a role. The main male hormone is testosterone, and your testosterone level naturally goes down with age.
Along with testosterone, you produce smaller amounts of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone and the female hormone estrogen. Some researchers theorize that as your testosterone drops, it leaves you with higher proportions of estrogen and DHT. This could prompt prostate cells to spread.
The main risk factors for BPH are being male and being older. Itâs rare if youâre under 40. Half of all men between ages 51 and 60 have BPH. It may affect as many as 90% of men older than 80.
Other risk factors for BPH include:
- Family history: Having blood relatives with BPH boosts your risk
- Overall health: Conditions such as diabetes or heart disease increase your odds
- Obesity and lifestyle: Obesity may raise your risk, while exercise can lower it
Cancer starts when cells develop changes in their DNA, causing abnormal cells to grow out of control. Exactly what sets this off in prostate cells isnât clear.
As with BPH, the biggest risk factors for prostate cancer are being male and aging. Those 50 and up are at highest risk. About 13 of every 100 men will get prostate cancer during their lifetimes.
Other risk factors are:
The Initial Causes Symptoms Of Bph Vs Prostate Cancer
One of the first symptoms of prostate issues is pain or tenderness in the groin or lower back. This can be the result of a noncancerous condition called enlarged prostatic tissue, or it could be an infection of the bladder. In either case, its important to see a doctor as soon as possible. If youre suffering from prostate pain, you may want to consider reducing your caffeine intake.
Another symptom of a potentially enlarged prostate is difficulty starting a stream of urine, leaking, or dribbling. These symptoms are not serious, but theyre still alarming. Most men put up with an enlarged prostate for years before seeking medical attention, but they typically seek treatment as soon as they notice symptoms. Even if you dont have symptoms, its worth getting checked to determine if you have any prostate issues.
If you experience nightly bathroom runs, you may be experiencing an enlarged prostate. You may be having difficulty starting a stream of urine, or you may even be dribbling or leaking during the day. These problems arent life-threatening, but can become a nuisance. You should not ignore these signs and seek treatment as soon as you notice them. If you feel any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor.
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The Symptom Overlap From An Enlarged Prostate And Prostate Cancer Are Nearly Identical As Far As Urine
Prostate cancer can masquerade as a benign enlarged prostate if the malignancy is still localized rather than spread.
First of all, the majority of patients who are diagnosed with prostate cancer have absolutely no symptoms, says Michael D. Lutz, MD, board certified urologist Partner at Michigan Institute of Urology President, MIU Mens Health Foundation.
The typical prostate cancer is diagnosed by the judicious use of the serum prostatic specific antigen blood test, continues Dr. Lutz.
Based upon this blood test result and a digital rectal examination, additional tests to confirm the diagnosis would be considered.
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An enlarged prostate can also be the cause of other problems. If the enlarged prostate is causing symptoms, the best treatment would be a natural remedy. In the meantime, there are treatments for a wide range of conditions that cause a man to experience pain. A common surgical procedure involves an electric loop, laser, or electro-stimulation. The procedure is a safe and effective option for treating enlarged or symptomatic BPH.
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What Does It Do
You could live without your prostate , but it plays a key part in fertility and reproduction, and grows during adolescence under the influence of the male hormone testosterone and its byproducts.
There are nerves and blood vessels that run along each side of your prostate called the neurovascular bundle. These are involved the process of getting and maintaining an erection.
Find Out More From Webmd About Causes Symptoms Diagnosis And Treatment
It may grow slowly and its typically treatable. Prostate cancer and bph can cause identical symptoms and high psa levels but are two different conditions. The earlier the detection of prostate cancer, the better the patients chance of survival is. This is a condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia . Here are 10 more facts about prostate cancer. Being armed with information is vital to begin the fight. Most men today are diagnosed before they begin to show any signs of prostate cancer. Whether you or someone you love has cancer, knowi. Although screenings for prostate cancer are one tool for early detecti. The prostate gland is underneath the bladder. What is benign prostatic hyperplasia? Find the information you need today. When it gets bigger, it can block.
How To Tell The Difference Between Bph And Prostate Cancer : Edelweiss: Cancer Open Access journal | Skin cancers Here are 10 more facts about prostate cancer.. Although screenings for prostate cancer are one tool for early detecti. One in seven men in the united states will receive a prostate cancer diagnosis during his lifetime. Most men today are diagnosed before they begin to show any signs of prostate cancer. Here are 10 more facts about prostate cancer. Learn more about the causes of prostate cancer here.
Most men experience prostate gland enlargement as they age. Whether you or someone you love has cancer, knowi. However, as with other types of cancer,.
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