ABSTRACT
The relationship of anatomical structure and biochemical function to the development and treatment of benign and malignant disease of the prostate. Serum testosterone levels slowly but significantly decrease with advancing age; however, levels of oestrogenic steroids are not decreased equally. According to this theory, the prostate enlarges because of increased oestrogenic effects. BPH affects both glandular epithelium and connective tissue stroma to variable degrees. BPH typically affects the submucous group of glands in the transitional zone, forming a nodular enlargement. Eventually, this overgrowth compresses the peripheral zone glands into a false capsule and causes the appearance of the typical ‘lateral’ lobes. The bladder may decompensate so that detrusor contraction becomes progressively less efficient and a residual urine develops, leading to chronic retention. Symptom score sheets such as the International Prostate Symptom Score assign a score that gives information regarding the severity of symptoms at the outset and changes over time and following intervention.
