Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia vs Prostate Cancer
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Prostate Cancer are conditions that share some reported symptoms, which can make them easy to confuse. This guide explains the key similarities, how each is described, and how providers may investigate them. Educational content only - not a diagnosis.
About Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Prostate Cancer
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that can cause urinary symptoms in older men.
Prostate Cancer: Cancer of the prostate gland. Often slow-growing; treatment decisions depend on stage and risk.
Symptoms shared by both conditions
These symptoms have been reported in association with both Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Prostate Cancer.
Difficulty Starting Urination
Difficulty beginning to urinate, which can be a sign of an enlarged prostate or other conditions....
Waking to Urinate at Night
The need to wake up during the night to urinate, which can disrupt sleep and may be linked to bladder, prostat...
Weak Urine Stream
A weak or slow urine stream, which can be a sign of an enlarged prostate....
Symptoms of each condition
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Difficulty Starting Urination
Difficulty beginning to urinate, which can be a sign of an enlarged prostate or other conditions....
Frequent Urination
The need to urinate more often than usual....
Inability to Fully Empty Bladder
The feeling that the bladder is not completely empty after urinating, which can be related to prostate or blad...
Urinary incontinence
Loss of the ability to control the urinary bladder leading to involuntary urination....
Waking to Urinate at Night
The need to wake up during the night to urinate, which can disrupt sleep and may be linked to bladder, prostat...
Weak Urine Stream
A weak or slow urine stream, which can be a sign of an enlarged prostate....
Prostate Cancer
Bone Pain
Pain originating in the bones, which can be caused by injury, infection, or other conditions....
Difficulty Starting Urination
Difficulty beginning to urinate, which can be a sign of an enlarged prostate or other conditions....
Erectile dysfunction
A multidimensional but common male sexual dysfunction that involves an alteration in any of the components of ...
Hematuria
The presence of blood in the urine. Hematuria may be gross hematuria (visible to the naked eye) or microscopic...
Waking to Urinate at Night
The need to wake up during the night to urinate, which can disrupt sleep and may be linked to bladder, prostat...
Weak Urine Stream
A weak or slow urine stream, which can be a sign of an enlarged prostate....
Weight loss
Reduction of total body weight....
How Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia may be investigated
Healthcare providers may order these tests when evaluating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.
Free PSA
Helps distinguish prostate cancer from benign prostate conditions....
PSA Total
Screens for prostate conditions including prostate cancer and BPH....
Prostate-Specific Antigen Psa , Free-To-Total Ratio
Order Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free-to-Total Ratio.com online through our partner and visit a local la...
Prostate-Specific Antigen Psa Total Test
This blood test measures total levels of Prostate-specific antigen (PSA). PSA is used as a tumor marker for th...
Urinalysis
Examines urine content to help detect urinary tract infections, kidney disease, and diabetes....
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Prostate Cancer?
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Prostate Cancer are distinct conditions that share some reported symptoms, which is why they can be confused. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia: Non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that can cause urinary symptoms in older men. Prostate Cancer: Cancer of the prostate gland. Often slow-growing; treatment decisions depend on stage and risk. This content is informational, not a diagnosis.
Can Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Prostate Cancer be mistaken for each other?
Yes - because they share symptoms such as Difficulty Starting Urination, Waking to Urinate at Night, Weak Urine Stream, they may present similarly. A qualified healthcare provider distinguishes them through history, examination, and testing.
How are Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Prostate Cancer investigated?
Testing depends on the specific condition and presentation. A provider may order tests such as Free PSA, PSA Total, Prostate-Specific Antigen Psa , Free-To-Total Ratio, Prostate-Specific Antigen Psa Total Test, Urinalysis. Test selection is a clinical decision.