As men age, prostate problems become more common. Enlarged prostate and prostate cancer are two of the main concerns. Both can cause similar urinary symptoms, and many men wonder what the symptoms of enlarged prostate are compared to those of prostate cancer.
Symptoms of Enlarged Prostate
Men have a prostate gland located just below the bladder. It is about the size of a walnut and surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the body.
When the prostate grows bigger, it squeezes or partially blocks the urethra. This can result in a variety of urinary symptoms, including:
- Increased urination frequency. Men often feel the need to urinate more often, especially at night, a condition known as nocturia.
- Difficulty starting urination. A noticeable delay or frustrating difficulty in starting the urine stream can occur.
- Weak urine stream. Your urine flow may be weaker than usual or start and stop intermittently.
- Dribbling at the end of urination. You may experience dribbling of urine even after you feel your bladder is empty.
- Incomplete bladder emptying. A persistent or uncomfortable feeling that the bladder is not completely empty after urination may occur.
Prostate Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
Prostate symptoms can be linked to a harmless condition known as benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH). BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate and is quite common among older men.
While BPH itself is not dangerous, it can cause considerable discomfort and inconvenience because of its effects on the urinary system.
Sometimes, however, these symptoms can also be a sign of a more serious condition known as prostate cancer.
Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor or growth that develops in the prostate gland. Over time, it can spread to other parts of the body if not detected and treated early. For this reason, quickly recognizing these symptoms is essential.
In fact, certain symptoms should prompt you to seek immediate medical attention. These symptoms include:
- Suddenly finding yourself unable to urinate
- Seeing blood in your urine or semen
- Intense pain in the lower abdomen or urinary tract
- Pain and difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection
- Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite
- Bone pain, especially in the ribs, spine, or pelvis
Is BPH the Same as Prostate Cancer?
No. Although they may share some symptoms, they have different health implications.
BPH is not cancer and does not increase the risk of prostate cancer. It is benign and localized and does not spread like prostate cancer. Although its symptoms can worsen over time, they are not life-threatening.
How Is an Enlarged Prostate Diagnosed?
Diagnosing an enlarged prostate involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and various tests.
- Digital rectal exam (DRE). Your doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to feel the size and shape of the prostate.
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. This is a laboratory test measuring the level of PSA in your blood. PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland, and a higher level can indicate BPH, prostate cancer, or other prostate conditions.
- Urinalysis. A urine sample is evaluated to check for signs of infection or other abnormalities.
- Uroflowmetry. This test measures the strength and amount of urine flow.
- Post-void residual volume test. A test that determines how much urine remains in the bladder after urination.
- Imaging tests. Ultrasound, MRI, or CT scan may be done to provide detailed images of the prostate and surrounding tissue.
Treating Symptoms of Enlarged Prostate
Your urologist can help you treat the symptoms of enlarged prostate. They can also provide a comprehensive evaluation to diagnose or rule out more serious issues like prostate cancer. If BPH is the cause of your symptoms, there are many effective treatment options.
If you experience symptoms of enlarged prostate, don’t delay – call 843.347.2450 to schedule an appointment today!