ABSTRACT
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is uncontrolled, non-malignant growth of the prostate characterized by hyperplasia of epithelial and stromal cells within the transition zone.
Clinically, BPH typically presents with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).
The differential diagnosis of LUTS includes BPH, urinary infection, primary bladder dysfunction, prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain, urethral stricture, urolithiasis, and bladder carcinoma.
Prostate size does not necessarily correlate with the severity of LUTS.
The AUA/IPSS Symptom Index should be used as a measure for grading symptom severity, determining need for therapy, and assessing response to therapy.
Due to the variability of the impact of LUTS on quality of life among men with BPH, the patient’s perception of the severity of the condition remains a primary determinant in the selection of management options.
Common therapies include watchful waiting, alpha-blockers, 5 alpha- reductase inhibitors, transurethral microwave therapy (TUMT), radiofrequency transurethral needle ablation (TUNA), electrosurgical or laser transurethral resection, and open prostatectomy.
