Finding out you have prostate nodules can be worrying. You might assume you have prostate cancer and start feeling anxious and fearful about what that means.
Here’s what you should know: the majority of prostate nodules are not cancerous.
A prostate nodule is simply a firm area on the prostate gland that feels different from the surrounding tissue during a prostate exam. If your doctor feels a nodule, you’ll need a proper evaluation. But most of the time, they aren’t a big deal.
What Is a Nodule on the Prostate Gland?
Prostate nodules are small, firm areas of tissue that feel different from the rest of the prostate gland. The term nodule describes a firm, raised, or irregular spot that stands out from the surrounding tissue.
Having a prostate nodule does not necessarily mean cancer. Many are benign, but your doctor will need to perform additional testing to determine the cause.
What Causes Prostate Nodules?
There are several reasons nodules develop:
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is a noncancerous growth of the prostate that happens as men age. As the gland enlarges, the tissue may become uneven, creating firm or lumpy areas.
- Prostatitis. Inflammation, infection, or chronic irritation can cause the prostate to swell or form scar tissue, which may feel like a nodule.
- Prostate cancer. Cancer can develop when abnormal cells grow and cluster in a single area of the gland, forming an irregular surface.
Calcifications, small areas of scarring, or reduced blood flow, can also create nodular areas that are not cancerous.
What Are the Symptoms of Prostate Nodules?
Nodules do not usually cause noticeable symptoms. They are often discovered during routine prostate exams or screening. In fact, many prostate cancers cause no symptoms in their early stages. That’s why regular screening exams are important, particularly for men over 50 or those with risk factors.
When symptoms are present, they usually relate to the underlying condition rather than the nodule itself. These may include:
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination
- A weak or interrupted urine stream
- The need to urinate frequently, especially at night
- Pain, burning, or pressure with urination
- Blood in the urine or semen
How Is a Prostate Nodule Diagnosed?
A prostate nodule is usually detected during a digital rectal exam (DRE). During this quick, in-office test, a doctor feels the back of the prostate through the rectum to check for any firm, raised, or irregular spots.
If a nodule is found, additional tests help determine the cause:
- A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test. This measures a protein produced by prostate cells. Elevated levels can suggest prostate enlargement, inflammation, or cancer, but a high PSA doesn’t always mean cancer.
- A transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) and multiparametric MRI. These are imaging tests that can help visualize the prostate and guide the next steps for evaluation or treatment.
- A biopsy. If the nodule or PSA level appears concerning, a biopsy may be recommended. Small tissue samples are taken for microscopic examination to confirm or rule out cancer.
In some cases, when the nodule appears harmless and PSA levels are stable, doctors may recommend regular monitoring instead of immediate intervention.
What Percentage of Prostate Nodules Are Benign Nodular Prostate?
A firm or uneven area can form for several reasons, and most prostate nodules turn out to be harmless.
When a lump or nodule shows up on exam, 60 to 75% of biopsy results come back without any cancer at all. So, while a nodule always deserves a closer look, it doesn’t automatically mean cancer.
What Percentage of Prostate Nodules Are Cancerous?
Most prostate nodules are not cancerous. In many clinical studies, roughly 25 to 40% of men with a suspicious area on exam or imaging are later found to have cancer on biopsy. That means the majority of prostate nodules have benign causes.
Keeping up with your prostate health is one of the most effective ways to catch problems early. If you notice changes in how you urinate or feel a new lump, a visit with a urologist can help you sort out what’s going on.
Don’t delay prostate cancer screening any longer – call 843.347.2450 to schedule an appointment today!
Our experienced urologists provide prostate nodule consultations in Myrtle Beach, Murrells Inlet, and Conway, SC.