Benign prostatic hyperplasia

Alternative names:

benign prostatic hypertrophy; BPH

Definition:

A benign (not cancerous) growth within the prostate gland.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

The actual cause of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is unknown. However, it has been noted that eunuchs (men who have had their testicles destroyed or removed) do not develop BPH. Furthermore, after castration, benign prostatic hyperplasia has been observed to regress. Since the presence of normally functioning testicles appears to be necessary for the development of BPH, it is supposed that the tumor tissue uses the androgenic (male) hormones differently than normal prostate tissue does. Although the tumor is benign (not cancerous), progressive growth of the tumor may cause significant obstruction of the urethra and interfere with the normal flow of urine.

The incidence of BPH increases with advancing age. BPH is so common, that it has been said, "All men will have benign prostatic hyperplasia if they live long enough!" Some degree of BPH is present in 80% of all men over 40 years old and this figure increases to 95% of all men 80 years old. No risk factors have been identified other than the presence of normally functioning testicles in men.