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Ency. home > Disease > B > Benign prostatic hyperplasia

Benign prostatic hyperplasia    See images

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

BPH; Benign prostatic hypertrophy; Enlarged prostate; Prostate - enlarged

Definition:

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is sometimes referred to as an "enlarged prostate." With BPH, there are benign (non-cancerous) nodules that start growing in the prostate gland. This growth causes the prostate to enlarge.

Causes and Risks

The actual cause of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is unknown. However, it has been noted that men who have had their testicles destroyed or removed do not develop BPH. Furthermore, after castration, BPH has been observed to regress.

Since the presence of normally functioning testicles appears to be necessary for the development of BPH, it is thought that the growing tissue uses male hormones differently than normal prostate tissue does. Although this tissue growth is benign, progressive growth of the tumor may cause significant obstruction of the urethra and interfere with the normal flow of urine.

The incidence of BPH increases with advancing age. BPH is so common that it has been said, "All men will have benign prostatic hyperplasia if they live long enough!" A small amount of BPH is present in 80% of men over 40 years old and over 95% of men 80 years old. No risk factors have been identified other than having normally functioning testicles.

Ency. home > Disease > B > Benign prostatic hyperplasia

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