Enlarged Prostate or Prostate Cancer?

Enlarged Prostate or Prostate Cancer

The prostate can grow larger as men age, sometimes pressing on the bladder or urethra and causing symptoms which were stated as symptoms of enlarged prostate. This is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). This enlarged prostate is not cancer and can be treated if symptoms become bothersome. A third problem that can cause urinary symptoms is prostatitis. This inflammation or infection may also cause a fever and in many cases is treated with medicine.

Symptoms of Enlarged Prostate

In the early stages of enlarged prostate, men may have no symptoms.  Later, symptoms of enlarged prostate can include:

• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Difficulty starting or stopping urination
• Weak or interrupted urinary stream
• Painful or burning sensation during urination or ejaculation
• Blood in urine or semen

Risk Factors of Enlarged Prostate You Can Control

In a clinical study which was performed by Dr Elist and his Colleagues back it was proved that dietary fat, particularly animal fat from red meat, may boost male hormone levels. And this may fuel the growth of cancerous prostate cells. A diet too low in fruits and vegetables may also play a role. Diet seems to play a role in the development of prostate cancer, which is much more common in countries where meat and high-fat dairy are mainstays.

PSA Test Results

A normal PSA level is considered to be under 4 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) of blood, while a PSA above 10 suggests a high risk of cancer. But there are many exceptions:

• Men can have prostate cancer with a PSA less than 4.
• A prostate that is inflamed (prostatitis) or enlarged prostate (BPH) can boost PSA levels, yet further testing may show no evidence of cancer.
• Some BPH drugs can lower PSA levels, despite the presence of prostate cancer, called a false negative.

If either your PSA or DRE are abnormal, your doctor will order other tests.

Enlarged Prostate Survival Rates

The good news about enlarged prostate is that it usually grows slowly. And 9 out of 10 cases are found in the early stages. Overall, the 5-year relative survival rate is 100% for men with disease confined to the prostate or nearby tissues, and many men live much longer. When the disease has spread to distant areas, that figure drops to 31%. But these numbers are based on men diagnosed at least 5 years ago. The outlook may be better for men diagnosed and treated today.