How Do I Differentiate Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) Vs Prostate Cancer?

BPH and prostate cancer sometimes show similar signs, like urinary difficulties, but they are different conditions. BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate often seen in older men that mainly causes urinary symptoms. Prostate cancer, however, is a malignant growth that often starts in the peripheral part of the prostate and might not cause symptoms in the early stages. To tell them apart, doctors usually begin with a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. Elevated PSA levels can occur in both conditions, so a digital rectal exam (DRE) is also done. In a DRE, your doctor feels your prostate to detect hard lumps or irregularities, which might signal cancer. If these tests suggest cancer, further steps like imaging (ultrasound or MRI) and a prostate biopsy are usually needed to confirm the diagnosis. Newer biomarkers and tests can help refine the diagnosis even more. Always discuss the results and further options with your healthcare provider so they can guide you based on your overall health and test results.