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A Brief Overview of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) |
Written by Craitlyn Janis
Thursday, 15 May 2008
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Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is
an enlargement of the prostate gland due to increases in the number
of cells of the prostate tissue. Although the enlarging effects of
BHP cannot be reversed, it is nonmalignant (non-cancerous), and
does not always progress to a cancerous state. In fact, about 80%
of men will experience some degree of BPH by the age of 80.1
Enlargement typically starts around 40 to 45 years of age and
continues throughout life. Men who are diagnosed with BHP are
encouraged to go in for regular screenings (once a year) to monitor
the growth of the prostate gland; nevertheless, many men will go
years with out experiencing any symptoms. Signs/Symptoms When the prostate becomes enlarged it presses down on the urethra and causes urinary dysfunction. Depending on the degree of enlargement, men may experience any of the following symptoms: Screening/Diagnosis Screening and diagnostic procedures for BPH are similar to those used for Prostate Cancer.
Treatment As mentioned previously, BPH cannot be reversed, however there are medications available that help to relax the muscles of the bladder and prostate to ease urination. If medication treatments fail, more invasive procedures, such as transurethral resection, are used to relieve symptoms. Transurethral resection is the most common surgical procedure used to treat BPH and involves removal of part of the prostate through the urethra. This reduces the pressure on the urethra and normalizes urination. More recent technologies have been developed which use lasers and microwave thermotherapy (see p. 20). to vaporize or remove excess prostatic tissue, which accomplishes the same result as transurethral resection. Article Source: http://www.ArticleBlast.com |
About The Author:
Craitlyn's expertise on prostate cancer and related illness is shared at http://www.PreventProstateCancer.info. At the same site, you can also find the inexpensive, compehensive guide on how to prevent prostate cancer.
Craitlyn's expertise on prostate cancer and related illness is shared at http://www.PreventProstateCancer.info. At the same site, you can also find the inexpensive, compehensive guide on how to prevent prostate cancer.
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