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Prostate Cancer: Enlarged Prostate
Benign (noncancerous) enlargement of the prostate, known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH for short) is the most common prostate problem in men. Almost all men will develop some enlargement of the prostate as they age.
When Does Prostate Enlargement Happen?
Overall, the number of men with BPH increases progressively with age. By age 60, 50% of men will have some signs of BPH. By age 85, 90% of men will have signs of the condition. About one third of these men will develop symptoms that require treatment.
Does BPH Increase Your Risk of Developing Prostate Cancer?
Based on research to date, the answer is no. However, BPH and prostate cancer have similar symptoms, and a man who has BPH may have undetected cancer at the same time.
To help detect prostate cancer in its early stages, the American Cancer Society advises annual screening starting at age 50 in men who have at least a 10 year life expectancy. They also say that for men who are at high risk, such as African American men and men with a family history of prostate cancer, screening should begin at about age 45. Men at an even higher risk, such as having several relatives with a history of prostate cancer at an early age, could begin testing at age 40.
The American Urological Association agrees that annual screening should begin at age 50 but encourages men in high risk groups, such as African-Americans or those with a family history, to begin screening at age 40 as opposed to 45. Tests used to screen for prostate cancer include a blood test for a substance called prostate-specific antigen (PSA)and the digital rectal exam (DRE).
What Are the Symptoms of BPH?
Since the prostate gland surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body, it is easy to see that enlargement of the prostate can lead to blockage of the tube. You may develop:
- Slowness or dribbling of your urinary stream
- Hesitancy or difficulty starting to urinate
- Frequent urination
- Feeling of urgency or sudden need to urinate
- Need to get up at night to urinate
As symptoms progress, you may develop:
- Bladder stones
- Bladder infection
- Blood in your urine
- Damage to your kidneys from back pressure caused by retaining large amounts of extra urine in the bladder
- Sudden blockage of the urinary tube, making urination impossible
How Is BPH Diagnosed?
After evaluating your medical history and giving you a complete physical, your doctor will perform a digital rectal examination.
Because the prostate gland is in front of the rectum, the doctor can feel if the gland has any abnormalities during this examination. This enables him or her to estimate the size of the prostate and to detect any hard areas that could be cancer.
Several studies may be done to help diagnose your condition:
- A urine test called a urinalysis.
- A seven-question BPH Symptom Score Index survey to evaluate the severity of your symptoms.
- A flow study to measure how slow the urinary stream is compared with normal flow.
- A study to detect how much urine is left in the bladder after urination is done.
WebMD Medical Reference provided in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic
Indication
Uroxatral® (alfuzosin HCl 10 mg extended-release tablets) is an alpha1-blocker for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of BPH.
Important Safety Information
Do not take UROXATRAL if you have liver problems or if you are taking antifungal drugs like ketoconazole or itraconazole, or HIV drugs like ritonavir.
UROXATRAL can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when starting treatment. This may lead to fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do any dangerous activity until you know how UROXATRAL will affect you. This is especially important if you already have a problem with low blood pressure or take medicines to treat high blood pressure. There may be an increased risk of low blood pressure and fainting when taking UROXATRAL in combination with blood pressure medication or nitrates, or erectile dysfunction medication.
If considering cataract surgery (clouding of the eyes), tell your eye surgeon that you are currently taking UROXATRAL or have previously been treated with an alpha-blocker.
Before taking UROXATRAL, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.
Also, tell your doctor if you or any family member(s) have or take medications for a rare heart condition known as congenital prolongation of the QT interval.
BPH and prostate cancer can cause the same symptoms. However, UROXATRAL is not a treatment for prostate cancer.
The most common side effects with UROXATRAL are dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and tiredness.
Please see UROXATRAL full prescribing information.
Symptoms of an Enlarged Prostate
Sheldon Marks, MD, explains nearly everything you need to know about an enlarged prostate but were afraid to ask.
