On an ordinary weekday morning, Uncle Zhang was ready to start his daily routine as usual, but the difference was that he had been feeling that something was wrong lately. I thought it was an ordinary symptom of old age, but I heard in a casual chat that these symptoms may be related to the prostate. Frequent nocturia and a weak urine stream reminded him of the frightening word "cancer". Worry and fear drove him to seek the help of a medical professional.

At the clinic, the doctor conducted a detailed questioning and examination of Uncle Zhang, and then explained that although prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer may be similar in symptoms, they are very different in nature. Prostatic hyperplasia is a non-cancerous hyperplastic condition, whereas prostate cancer is a malignant tumor that requires aggressive treatment. Through further examinations and tests, Uncle Zhang finally learned that he was only prostatic hyperplasia, not cancer.

This case not only relieved Uncle Zhang's psychological burden, but also made us realize that correct knowledge and timely diagnosis are essential for prostate problems. In this article, we will delve into how to distinguish prostatic hyperplasia from prostate cancer, so as to help more middle-aged and elderly men like Uncle Zhang be able to make the right judgment and choice when facing these common symptoms.

Basic analysis: the difference between prostatic hyperplasia and cancer

Prostatic hyperplasia (benign prostatic hypertrophy) and prostate cancer: Where to go?

Prostatic hyperplasia, medically known as benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), is a non-cancerous increase in the number of prostate cells, which generally occurs in older men. Prostatic hyperplasia is not cancer and does not increase the risk of prostate cancer, however, its symptoms may be similar to those of prostate cancer and need to be confirmed by a professional medical examination.

Prostate cancer is a true malignant tumour that can invade other tissues and even metastasize to other parts of the body through the blood and lymphatic system. Compared with prostatic hyperplasia, the management of prostate cancer requires a more aggressive and thorough treatment strategy.

Symptom control: How can you distinguish between the two by performance?

Symptoms of prostatic hyperplasia: The most common include frequent nocturia, difficulty urinating, a thinner urine stream, and urgency. These symptoms are caused by the increased size of the prostate, which compresses the urethra.

Symptoms of prostate cancer: Although there may be no obvious symptoms in the early stages, as the disease progresses, patients may experience blood in the urine, painful ejaculation, persistent lower back or bone pain, and difficulty urinating that cannot be relieved by conventional treatment. These symptoms of prostate cancer are usually more severe and progress more rapidly than prostatic hyperplasia.

By clearly comparing these symptoms, middle-aged and older men can better understand their symptoms and seek professional diagnosis from a doctor if necessary. This step is critical because timely diagnosis can significantly improve the effectiveness of treatment and survival.

Inspection and self-monitoring

While home self-monitoring is beneficial, it's critical to schedule a professional medical check-up as soon as possible when you develop these symptoms. A test for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in the blood is a very important criterion that can help distinguish between prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer, although the test can sometimes produce false-positive or false-negative results. Therefore, a combination of clinical examination, family history, PSA test results, and, if necessary, histologic examination is the gold standard for diagnosing prostate lesions.

With this information, middle-aged and older men can gain important knowledge about prostate health, so that they can respond promptly and correctly when they encounter related symptoms.

Diagnostic Approach: Uncover key steps and checks

Diagnosis of prostate disease: a key diagnostic step

Blood tests: Measurement of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is the first step in identifying prostate disease. Elevated PSA levels may indicate prostate cancer, but can also be seen in prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis.

Urinalysis: Routine urine tests can help rule out urinary tract infections or other urinary tract disorders that may affect prostate health.

Digital Rectal Examination (DRE): By feeling the size, shape and texture of the prostate gland through the rectal wall, the doctor can make a preliminary determination whether the prostate is abnormal.

Imaging & Biological Testing: Precise Detection

Ultrasound: Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) provides images of the morphology and structure of the prostate gland and is diagnostic for both prostatic hyperplasia and cancer.

MRI scan: High-resolution MRI is particularly important for localizing and diagnosing prostate cancer because it provides a more detailed view of the prostate gland and surrounding tissues.

Prostate biopsy: If prostate cancer is suspected by PSA abnormality or DRE, a tissue biopsy is a critical step in confirming the diagnosis.

Treatment Plan and Life Adjustment: Scientific Response and Daily Management

Treatment strategies for prostatic hyperplasia

Medications: α-blockers help relax the muscles of the prostate and bladder neck and improve urine flow, and 5-α reductase inhibitors reduce the size of the prostate gland and relieve symptoms.

Minimally invasive surgery: such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP), for patients who do not respond to medical treatment.

Comprehensive treatment for prostate cancer

Surgery: Depending on the stage and spread of the cancer, a prostatectomy may be needed.

Radiation therapy and chemotherapy: For advanced or spread prostate cancer, radiation and chemotherapy can control progression.

Hormone therapy: Used to slow the growth of cancer cells, for people who can't have surgery or chemoradiotherapy.

Lifestyle adjustments

Diet: Increase your intake of vegetables and fruits and reduce red meat and fatty foods.

Exercise: Regular physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of cancer.

Regular check-ups: Men over the age of 50, in particular, should have regular prostate health check-ups, including PSA testing.

With these detailed diagnostic and treatment steps, as well as lifestyle modifications, prostate pathology can be effectively managed and its impact on quality of life can be reduced.