What is the pathophysiology of enlargement prostate gland?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. It is a common condition in men over the age of 50, and it is estimated that more than half of all men over the age of 60 will experience some symptoms of BPH.
The prostate gland is located just below the bladder and wraps around the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. As the prostate gland enlarges, it can compress the urethra and make it difficult to urinate. This can lead to a number of symptoms, including:
* Difficulty starting to urinate
* Weak urine stream
* Intermittent urination
* Dribbling of urine
* Inability to completely empty the bladder
* Frequent urination, especially at night
* Urgency to urinate
* Inability to urinate
The exact cause of BPH is unknown, but it is thought to be related to changes in hormone levels that occur with aging. Androgens, such as testosterone, are responsible for the growth and development of the prostate gland. As men age, their levels of testosterone decline, while their levels of estrogen increase. This change in hormone levels can cause the prostate gland to enlarge.
Other factors that may contribute to BPH include:
* Family history of BPH
* Obesity
* Diabetes
* Heart disease
* High blood pressure
Pathophysiology
The pathophysiology of BPH is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve a number of factors, including:
* Proliferation of stromal cells: The stromal cells in the prostate gland are responsible for producing the extracellular matrix, which is the structural framework of the gland. In BPH, the stromal cells proliferate and produce excess extracellular matrix, which leads to enlargement of the prostate gland.
* Inflammation: Inflammation is also thought to play a role in BPH. The inflammatory process can damage the prostate tissue and lead to scarring, which can also contribute to enlargement of the gland.
* Changes in smooth muscle tone: The smooth muscle cells in the prostate gland are responsible for controlling the flow of urine. In BPH, the smooth muscle cells may become dysfunctional, which can lead to difficulty urinating.
Treatment
The treatment of BPH depends on the severity of the symptoms. Treatment options include:
* Watchful waiting: If the symptoms of BPH are mild, watchful waiting may be recommended. This means that the patient will be monitored regularly, but no treatment will be given.
* Medications: Medications can be used to relax the smooth muscle cells in the prostate gland and improve urine flow.
* Surgery: Surgery may be necessary if the symptoms of BPH are severe or if medications do not work.