Prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are two of the most common genitourinary problems plaguing men in the United States. Both chronic and complex conditions, prostate cancer and BPH have strikingly overlapping characteristics, which make it quite hard to tell them apart without proper medical evaluation.
If you’re concerned that you may be suffering from either or both of these conditions, the information we’ve provided below can help you get a good grasp of their specific differences as well as the importance of seeking the expertise of a urologist.
Their Nature
While BPH can cause serious complications, it cannot spread, and it is not life-threatening. Prostate cancer, on the other hand, has the potential to spread to other parts of the body, such as the liver, lymph nodes, lungs, and bones: approximately 50 percent of men diagnosed with prostate cancer experience metastasis. Moreover, albeit it tends to progress slowly than many other types of cancer, prostate cancer is one of the top causes of cancer-related deaths in American men.
Diagnosis
It is important to take note that BPH and prostate cancer can coexist and have common symptoms. The only way to determine whether you have either or both of these conditions is to see a urologist for a comprehensive assessment. Timely diagnosis for both conditions is crucial for reducing your risk for serious complications.
Screening for prostate-related conditions generally include prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test and digital rectal exam (DRE). Using the results of these tests, your urologist will determine the necessity for further testing to confirm a diagnosis.
Urinary flow test – to measure the amount and strength of your urine flow
24-hour voiding diary – to record your daily urine output
Postvoid residual volume test – to assess your ability to empty your bladder completely
If your symptoms are severe or chronic, your urologist may recommend a prostate biopsy, transrectal ultrasound, and/or cystoscopy.
Medical imaging (transrectal ultrasound and MRI) – to create a detailed picture of your prostate and its surrounding tissues
Prostate biopsy – to obtain a sample of cells from your prostate and send it to a laboratory for analysis
If your biopsy confirms prostate cancer, your urologist will use genomic testing and/or Gleason score to determine the level of aggressiveness of your cancer cells as well as order additional medical imaging tests to ascertain the stage of your cancer.
Treatment
In addition to lifestyle changes, BPH treatment includes medications to shrink the prostate and make urination easer as well as address erectile dysfunction and ejaculatory problems. Surgical intervention will likely be necessary if your symptoms are severe or don’t respond to medications; you have urinary tract obstruction; or you prefer definitive treatment.
The treatment your urologist will recommend for prostate cancer depends on a number of factors, such as how fast it is growing, your overall health, and whether it has spread to other parts of your body. If you have low-grade prostate cancer, active surveillance is all you might need. For prostate cancer requiring treatment, there are various options available. These include the following:
o Hormone therapy
o Chemotherapy
o Cryotherapy or cryoablation
o Prostate surgery
o Radiation therapy
BPH and Prostate Cancer Treatment Phoenix, AZ
At Ironwood Urology, our board-certified urologist Dr. Desiderio Avila, Jr. has established a reputation of excellence with the effective solutions he offers to help men who are living with BPH, prostate cancer, and many other chronic genitourinary problems effectively manage their conditions. What’s more, he delights in helping patients understand their diagnoses and weigh their options to make the best decisions about their health and medical care.
Schedule your visit with Dr. Avila today. You may either contact our staff at (480) 961-2323 or fill out our secure online form to send an appointment request. We look forward to serving you!
