Prostate Diseases
What is the prostate?
The prostate is part of the male reproductive system. It is approximately the size of a walnut and weighs an average of 20-30 grams.
What is the Function of the Prostate?
The primary function of the prostate is to produce the fluid that is part of semen. It ensures the fluidity of semen and is essential for the viability of sperm cells.
Where is the Prostate Located?
It is located just below the bladder and in front of the rectum. It surrounds a tube called the urethra. The urethra carries urine from the bladder and out of the body through the penis.
What Are Prostate Diseases?
The most common prostate diseases are prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate), prostate cancer (abnormal growth and division of prostate cells), and benign prostate hyperplasia (enlargement of the prostate).
WHAT IS PROSTATITIS (Prostate Inflammation)?
Prostatitis is a common condition that occurs when the prostate gland becomes inflamed in men, and it has different types. The four most common types are acute bacterial prostatitis, chronic bacterial prostatitis, chronic pelvic pain syndrome, and asymptomatic prostatitis. Acute bacterial prostatitis typically begins suddenly and is characterized by fever, chills, muscle aches, burning during urination, and severe pain in the pelvic area. Chronic bacterial prostatitis, on the other hand, presents with milder symptoms but a longer course; it is often identified by recurrent urinary tract infections. Chronic pelvic pain syndrome is a condition characterized by prolonged pelvic, testicular, or penile pain without evidence of infection. Pain after ejaculation may also occur. Asymptomatic prostatitis, on the other hand, does not cause any symptoms and is often detected incidentally during the examination of prostate tissue obtained for other reasons. The treatment of prostatitis also varies depending on its type. In acute cases, hospitalization and antibiotic treatment may be required, while chronic and bacterial forms typically require long-term antibiotic use. In non-bacterial forms, treatments aimed at alleviating prostate discomfort are more common.
WHAT IS PROSTATE CANCER?
Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that develops when cells in the prostate gland, an organ in the male reproductive system, divide and grow abnormally and uncontrollably.
Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men outside of the skin and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide after lung cancer.
Prostate cancer can be detected through a PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test, Digital Rectal Examination (DRE), Multiparametric Prostate MRI, and prostate biopsy, even in cases where no symptoms are present. These methods enable the disease to be detected in its early stages, which increases treatment success and reduces side effects.
Prostate cancer may not cause any symptoms in its early stages until it begins to press on surrounding organs, such as the bladder, urethra, or rectum. In advanced cases, or when the cancer has spread, patients may present with symptoms such as widespread bone pain, back pain, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite.
There is no standard treatment for prostate cancer; each patient requires a personalized treatment plan. In some cases, immediate treatment may not be recommended. This approach is referred to as "watchful waiting" or "active surveillance."
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To properly understand prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment options, it's important to understand how the cancer grows. For more information, please visit our Prostate Cancer page.
WHAT IS BENIGN PROSTATE HYPERPLASIA (BPH)?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition in men as they age. In fact, approximately half of men between the ages of 51 and 60 have BPH. This rate increases to 90% in men over the age of 80. As the prostate enlarges, it presses against the urethra (the tube that carries urine out of the body) and narrows it. This causes a weak urine flow. Over time, the increased pressure on the bladder causes its walls to thicken. In advanced cases, the bladder may weaken and lose its ability to empty completely. In this case, urine remains in the bladder.
The prostate is a reproductive organ found in all men. It can be detected during routine doctor's visits using ultrasound, or it may be discovered during a visit to the doctor due to complaints related to urination. The most common symptoms include the feeling of incomplete bladder emptying, frequent urination, interrupted urination, sudden urge to urinate, weak urine flow, difficulty urinating, and frequent nighttime urination.
Medical and surgical treatments are available for this condition. Surgical treatment is recommended for patients who do not respond to medical treatment or who require a permanent solution. Prostate surgeries are often performed endoscopically, i.e., through minimally invasive techniques; however, the devices and energy methods used may vary.
BPH refers to enlargement of the prostate. While the prostate is normally about the size of a walnut, it can grow to the size of an orange over time. For more information, please visit our Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia page.