The Prostate: Its functions and diseases

BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. Symptoms result when the enlargement squeezes the urethra where it runs through the prostate. BPH is the most common of prostate conditions among men. It is more common among older men, because as a man ages, his prostate naturally enlarges. More than 50 percent of men age 60, and 80 percent of men age 80, are estimated to suffer from BPH. It is important to note that BPH does not necessarily lead to cancer; however, a man can have BPH and cancer at the same time.

Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate. It is not contagious. The causes of prostatitis are sometimes well understood but are more often obscure. Prostatitis is often caused by bacteria similar to those which cause other types of urinary infections. Some patients however, have no evidence of bacteria in their prostates yet are thought to carry microorganisms such as Chlamydia or Ureaplasma, which are harder to identify by standard culture techniques. Still other patients have no evidence of any microorganisms at all. It is important to note that prostattitis sometimes develops from untreated BPH.

Prostate cancer is a malignant tumor that most often begins in the outer part of the prostate. As the tumor grows, it may spread to the inner part of the prostate. Treatment options for prostate cancer include watchful waiting, hormonal therapy, radiation, brachytherapy and surgery.

Two tests critical to detecting men at higher risk of prostate cancer and other prostate diseases are the digital rectal exam (DRE) and the prostate-specific antigen test (PSA test). A high PSA can indicate a greater chance of developing prostate cancer. However, a high PSA does not necessarily mean cancer is present; many men with BPH also have elevated PSA levels.