Link to article - http://heartsense.in/what-enlarged-prostate-gland/
Dr Vivek Baliga discusses why the prostate gland enlarges, what it means and how it can be managed. Patient presentation.
For academic articles, visit http://drvivekbaliga.net
2. WHAT IS A PROSTATE GLAND?
The prostate gland is a small gland that is located
in the groin area. It is the size of a walnut.
To be more accurate, the prostate gland is located just
below the bladder, as is seen in the picture below. It lies
just in front of the rectum.
The urethra lies within the
prostate gland. If the prostate is
enlarged, it can compress this
urethra, making it difficult to
pass urine
3. What Is The Function Of Prostate Gland?
The prostate gland is responsible for the
production of a sticky liquid substance.
This liquid forms a part of the sperms that are ejaculated
during sexual intercourse. The liquid helps keep the sperms
healthy and nourished.
The prostate gland has an important role during our
younger years. However, once the age to have children has
passed, the prostate gland becomes useless. Taking out the
prostate gland will have no effect on the individual or on
sexual activity.
4. What Is An Enlarged Prostate Gland?
In simple terms, it is a larger than normal
prostate!
The normal prostate is around the size of a walnut, and weighs
up to 20 grams. A prostate that measures and weighs more
than this is called an enlarged prostate.
The increase in size and weight can be dramatic.
5. Causes Of An Enlarged Prostate?
The most common reason why the prostate gland
enlarges is advancing age.
As men get older, the prostate gland begins to grow slowly.
This growth of the gland with age is completely normal. It
is sometimes called benign prostatic hypertrophy, or BPH.
The prostate gland can also enlarge in more serious
conditions such as prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the
most common type of cancer in men. Early treatment
carries a good long term prognosis.
6. SYMPTOMS OF AN ENLARGED PROSTATE GLAND
o Difficulty starting urination.
o Thin stream of urine that seems to have a ‘weak’ flow
o Dribbling of urine
o Feeling of incomplete emptying.
o Painful urination - seen only in some patients.
o Waking up in the night to pass urine
o Difficulty controlling urination..
o Frequent urination – You may visit the bathroom
every hour or so
7. Why Does The Prostate Enlarge?
It is believed that there may be some hormonal factors
that play a part in the enlargement of the prostate. The
prostate may also enlarge if cancer is present.
It is important for every person who has an enlarged
prostate to make sure they do not have cancer.
8. Investigating Enlarged Prostate Glands
URINE TEST
The first test would be a simple urine test. This test will
help the doctor differentiate whether you have symptoms
from prostate enlargement or from a urinary infection.
The sample can be taken at any time of the day. It does
not require an overnight fast.
9. Investigating Enlarged Prostate Glands
ULTRASOUND SCAN - This will help determine the size of
the prostate, whether the surface is smooth and whether it is
blocking the flow of urine.
The scan is done in 2 phases
In the first phase, the prostate gland is measured and the
quantity of urine in the bladder is determined.
In the second phase, the patient is asked to pass urine and the
quantity remaining is assessed.
If the prostate is causing problem, there will be a large amount of
urine still left in the bladder after voiding.
10. Investigating Enlarged Prostate Glands
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) - This test is a blood
test that looks at the levels of a compound released by
the prostate gland.
If the prostate is enlarged due to age, the PSA may
be normal or mildly elevated. In patients with suspected
cancer, the PSA is markedly elevated.
Your doctor will let you know if the PSA elevation is
significant or not.
11. Investigating Enlarged Prostate Glands
BIOPSY - A prostate biopsy is reserved for patients in
whom prostate cancer is suspected or needs to be ruled
out.
The biopsy helps yield cells that can be seen under a
microscope. A biopsy is not really necessary if the prostate is
simply enlarged. However, if the test is done, it can confirm
age related enlargement and effectively rule out cancer.
12. How Is An Enlarged Prostate Treated?
An enlarged prostate that is not causing any symptoms
does not require any treatment.
If experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned before,
then you will need medical treatment. Medicines are
available that can help ease the pressure that the
prostate puts on the urethra. This can help you pass
urine a lot more freely.
However, if the medicines do not work, then additional
treatments may be needed.
13. How Is An Enlarged Prostate Treated?
Enlarged prostate can cause urinary retention where
the patient is unable to pass urine, and the bladder
becomes enlarged and painful in the process. Catheter
insertion is needed to drain the urine.
If urinary obstruction occurs in patients with an
enlarged prostate, then surgical removal of the prostate
is needed. This is now done through a procedure called
TURP. Here, the prostate gland is removed with a laser
with good results.
14. OTHER QUESTIONS?
Can an enlarged prostate turn into cancer?
No. Benign prostate enlargement does not turn into
cancer.
Will I have problems having children?
An enlarged prostate gland does not affect your
ability to father children.
Does an enlarged prostate affect erection?
Fortunately, it does not!
