BPH is not prostate cancer,
they are two different diseases. BPH begins in a tiny area of the inner
prostate called the transition zone, a ring of tissue that makes a natural
circle around the urethra (Walsh, 2007). Prostate cancer is different; it
begins in the outer peripheral zone of the prostate, and grows outward, invading surrounding tissue. It
is also the third most common cancer worldwide with an estimated 232,930 deaths
in the U.S. in 2005 (McCance & Huether, 2005).
Another possible diagnosis relating
to the prostate, could be prostatitis. Prostatitis is an infection or
inflammation of the prostate gland (Hedayati & Kwon, 2007; Lovejoy, 2001;
O’Neil, 2006; Mobley & Kim, 2007; National Institute of Diabetes and
Digestive and Kidney Diseases [NIDDK], 2008; Robinson & McCance, 2002).
Often painful, prostatitis affects mainly young and middle aged men (NIDDK). It
accounts for approximately 2 million visits to a Urologist by men (Hedayati
& Kwon; Shoskes, Katske, & Kim, 2001). According to NIDDK, diagnosing
prostatitis can be difficult due to other urologic entities possessing similar
signs and symptoms. It is a diagnosis often given for unexplained symptoms of
inflammation, infection or pelvic pain associated with the prostate gland
(Lovejoy).
Prostate diseases can
also lead to urinary tract infections and can cause damage to the bladder or
kidneys. When the bladder is never completely empty, or when the kidney or
bladder becomes damaged, treatment is needed (Walsh, 2007). In rare cases,
severe obstruction of the urine flow develops and may lead to complications,
including complete or partial blockage of the urethra, urinary tract infection,
bladder stones, or visible blood in the urine (Rhodes, 2008).
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