Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is an enlargement
of the tissue within the prostate gland. Benign means non-cancerous,
and hyperplasia
means excessive growth of tissue. By age 40 to 45, your prostate
gland enlarges normally as benign tumors develop inside. It is not
known
what causes these growths, but they may be related to hormonal changes
that occur with aging. The prostate gland encompasses the urethra,
the tube that carries urine from the bladder to the outside of the
body. As these tumors grow they may narrow the urethra, thus causing
difficulty in urination.
Symptoms of BPH include:
Difficulty initiating a urine stream or maintaining
urination
The need to urinate frequently
Powerful urges to urinate
Feeling that the bladder is never completely empty
Over 12 million Americans suffer from the effects of BPH. By
age 60, more than half of all American men have microscopic signs
of BPH, and
by age 70, more than 40% will have enlargement that can be felt
on physical examination.
Treatment and Follow-up Options for
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
BPH cannot be cured, but its symptoms
can be relieved by surgery or drugs in many cases.
Watchful Waiting
Men whose symptoms are mild often opt for watchful waiting. This means
that they report for regular checkups and have further treatment
only if and when the symptoms become too bothersome.
Surgery
There are several types of surgery that are available to relieve the
symptoms of BPH.
Transurethral Resection of the Prostate (TURP)
This procedure accounts for more than 90% of all BPH surgeries.
TURP relieves symptoms quickly, typically doubling the urinary
flow within weeks. This procedure involves removing the urethra’s
lining and bits of excess prostate tissue to expand the urethra.
Transurethral Needle Ablation (TUNA)
Uses radio frequency energy to kill excess prostate tissue.
Partial Prostatectomy
Portion of the prostate gland is surgically removed to relieve pressure
on the urethra.
Drug Therapy Two major classes of drugs are available, alpha adrenergic blockers
and finasteride.
Alpha adrenergic
Relaxes the muscle portion of the prostate and the bladder neck, thus
allowing urine to flow more freely.
Finasteride
Shrinks the prostate by blocking an enzyme that converts the
male hormone testosterone into a more potent growth-stimulating
form.
Please consult with your physician to determine what treatment is most
appropriate for your condition and the possible side effects.
Important Questions to Ask Your Doctor
For my diagnosis what treatment options do I have?
What do you suggest and why?
What are the benefits
of this option?
What are the potential risks or side effects
of this option?
Will I need more tests? For what purpose?
What can I do to make my treatment most effective?
RESOURCE SUPPORT
For additional information about bladder cancer, the following resources
are available:
National Cancer Institute
Cancer Information Service (CIS) 800-4-CANCER Cancernet
The Cancer Information Service (CIS) and Cancernet are National
Cancer Institute programs which provide a nationwide telephone
service and
web site for cancer patients and their families and friends.
AMERICAN
CANCER SOCIETY (ACS)
1-800-ACS-2345 www.cancer.org
The American Cancer Society (ACS) is a voluntary organization
with a national office in Atlanta Georgia, and local facilities
across
the country. It supports research, patient
education programs, and other services for family members,
as well as free booklets on bladder
cancer and home care.
This report is intended for patient education
and information only. It does not constitute advice, nor should
it be taken to suggest or replace professional medical care from
your physician. Your treatment options may vary, depending upon
medical history and current condition. Only your physician and
you can determine your best option. Provided to you as a service
by AmeriPath, Inc
