Bph, Cancer Topic
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as benign prostatic hypertrophy, is a histologic diagnosis characterized by proliferation of the cellular elements of the prostate. Cellular accumulation and gland enlargement may result from epithelial and stromal proliferation, impaired preprogrammed cell death (apoptosis), or both.
BPH involves the stromal and epithelial elements of the prostate arising in the periurethral and transition zones of the gland. The hyperplasia presumably results in enlargement of the prostate that may restrict the flow of urine from the bladder.
BPH is considered a normal part of the aging process in men and is hormonally dependent on testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) production. An estimated 50% of men demonstrate histopathologic BPH by age 60 years. This number increases to 90% by age 85 years.
Causes
The actual cause of prostate enlargement is unknown. Factors linked to aging and the testicles themselves may play a role in the growth of the gland. Men who have had their testicles removed at a young age (for example, as a result of testicular cancer) do not develop BPH.
Similarly, if the testicles are removed after a man develops BPH; the prostate begins to shrink in size.
Some facts about prostate enlargement: * The likelihood of developing enlarged prostate increases with age. * BPH is so common that it has been said all men will have an enlarged prostate if they live long enough. * A small amount of prostate enlargement is present in many men over age 40 and more than 90% of men over age 80. * No risk factors have been identified other than having normally functioning testicles.
Less than half of all men with BPH have symptoms of the disease, which include: * Dribbling at the end of urinating * Inability to urinate (urinary retention) * Incomplete emptying of your bladder * Incontinence * Needing to urinate two or more times per night * Pain
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as benign prostatic hypertrophy, is a histologic diagnosis characterized by proliferation of the cellular elements of the prostate. Cellular accumulation and gland enlargement may result from epithelial and stromal proliferation, impaired preprogrammed cell death (apoptosis), or both.
BPH involves the stromal and epithelial elements of the prostate arising in the periurethral and transition zones of the gland. The hyperplasia presumably results in enlargement of the prostate that may restrict the flow of urine from the bladder.
BPH is considered a normal part of the aging process in men and is hormonally dependent on testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) production. An estimated 50% of men demonstrate histopathologic BPH by age 60 years. This number increases to 90% by age 85 years.
Causes
The actual cause of prostate enlargement is unknown. Factors linked to aging and the testicles themselves may play a role in the growth of the gland. Men who have had their testicles removed at a young age (for example, as a result of testicular cancer) do not develop BPH.
Similarly, if the testicles are removed after a man develops BPH; the prostate begins to shrink in size.
Some facts about prostate enlargement: * The likelihood of developing enlarged prostate increases with age. * BPH is so common that it has been said all men will have an enlarged prostate if they live long enough. * A small amount of prostate enlargement is present in many men over age 40 and more than 90% of men over age 80. * No risk factors have been identified other than having normally functioning testicles.
Less than half of all men with BPH have symptoms of the disease, which include: * Dribbling at the end of urinating * Inability to urinate (urinary retention) * Incomplete emptying of your bladder * Incontinence * Needing to urinate two or more times per night * Pain