Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer both affect the prostate gland — a walnut-sized organ in the male reproductive system — and they become more common with age. But despite the similarities, they’re two completely different conditions.
Hemet Valley Urology Medical Center provides comprehensive guidance and care for prostate health concerns. Our team performs specialized diagnostic testing to identify the issue and determine the most appropriate treatment.
This month’s blog aims to help you understand how BPH and prostate cancer differ and why symptoms alone aren’t enough to tell them apart.
Also referred to as an enlarged prostate, BPH is a noncancerous condition in which the prostate gland gets larger. As the gland grows, it can press against the urethra and interfere with the flow of urine.
BPH affects an estimated 50% of men over 50 and 80% of men over 70.
Next to skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men. It occurs when abnormal cells in the prostate divide and multiply uncontrollably.
Most cases of prostate cancer develop slowly and may remain within the gland for years without issue. The condition is highly treatable, especially when we catch it early.
Unfortunately, prostate cancer rarely causes noticeable symptoms in its early stages. As the disease progresses, it may begin to affect nearby tissues, causing urinary problems that resemble BPH:
If prostate cancer advances or spreads beyond the gland, other warning signs may appear, including persistent pain in the lower back or hips, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or erectile dysfunction.
Any new or worsening urinary or sexual symptoms deserve prompt medical evaluation. Though BPH does not increase your risk of prostate cancer, the two conditions can occur at the same time.
A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test can provide important information about your prostate health. An elevated result could be a sign of prostate cancer — but BPH and other conditions may also increase PSA, so it’s not enough for a definitive diagnosis.
Depending on your symptoms and initial results, we may perform additional testing — such as a digital rectal exam, imaging, or urinalysis — to collect more information. If prostate cancer remains a concern, a tissue biopsy can confirm whether cancer cells are present.
Routine PSA screening may be able to detect prostate cancer before symptoms appear. Our team can help you decide when screening makes sense based on your age, family history, and other risk factors.
Whether you have new symptoms or want to discuss screening, the caring, knowledgeable team at Hemet Valley Urology Medical Center is here for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation in Hemet, California.
