Prostate Hyperplasia: A Brief Explanation

It has been found that almost every man over the age of 60 will develop one of the numerous conditions associated with the prostate gland. Many of these conditions tend to exhibit only mild symptoms until they are well developed. This means that if you are affected, you may not even realise that you have a problem.

One of such conditions is known as Prostate hyperplasia, also known as Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH). Although it is not cancerous, it can cause the same prostate symptoms as prostate cancer. Prostate hyperplasia is present in about 90% of men over the age of 80. However, unless it causes the prostate gland to become grossly enlarged the symptoms are relatively mild and attributed to the rigors of old age.

The cause of prostate hyperplasia is not accurately known. Many researchers and oncologists believe that it is a hormone related condition. The male hormone testosterone is converted to a secondary hormone called dihydrotestosterone naturally in the body and when this secondary hormone binds with specific receptors in the tissues of the prostate gland, cellular growth and division becomes over-stimulated. Thus the prostate gland becomes enlarged so producing prostate hyperplasia.

Certain families of drugs can be used to reduce the amount of testosterone in the body or to stop the available testosterone from binding with the receptors in the prostate gland. This acts to stop prostate hyperplasia from developing further and may even reduce the size of the prostate gland over time. Unfortunately drug therapy for prostate hyperplasia is an ongoing therapy and if diagnosed with the condition you will be required to take drugs daily for the rest of your life.

Prostate hyperplasia symptoms are very similar to those of prostate cancer. Do take action if you notice the following:

* Difficulty urinating
* Urinary leakage
* Pain when urinating
* A feeling of urgency to urinate
* Increased night time urination
* Any other problems associated with urinating

As mentioned above prostate hyperplasia is usually easily controlled and treated with simple drug regimes. But if the symptoms are due to cancer, then surgery may be required.

Still you should not imagine the worst. A diagnosis of prostate hyperplasia does not necessarily mean that you are going to have prostate cancer. Admittedly some cases of prostate hyperplasia do progress and become cancerous. However, with early and continued treatment, the condition can be effectively controlled and enlargement of the prostate gland reduced.

Early detection helps in your recovery and your prostate cancer treatment. For more information, please visit the site at www.Prostate-Cancer-Treatment-Hub.com