Both benign and malignant prostate tumors cause prostate enlargement and share similar symptoms. However, their treatments are vastly different. It is crucial for men to understand the similarities and differences between benign and malignant prostate tumors since both conditions affect the prostate gland, which plays a vital role in male health.
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Differences Between Benign and Malignant Prostate Tumors
Benign prostate tumors, commonly called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), cause prostate enlargement. The term “benign” indicates that this condition is non-cancerous, while “hyperplasia” describes the abnormal growth of prostate cells.
On the other hand, malignant prostate tumors or prostate cancer involve uncontrolled cancerous cell growth in the prostate tissue. Prostate cancer progresses relatively slowly, meaning symptoms may not appear for months or even years.
Although benign and malignant prostate tumors are different conditions, they share several common symptoms.
Prostate Tumor Symptoms
Benign and malignant prostate tumors exhibit some of the same symptoms, making it difficult to differentiate between the two based on symptoms alone.
When the prostate enlarges due to either benign or malignant tumors, it exerts pressure on the urethra, obstructing urine flow.
In the early stages, prostate cancer often does not present symptoms. Symptoms usually appear when the tumor has grown significantly and starts pressing on the urethra.
Some common symptoms of both benign and malignant prostate tumors include:
- Urgent need to urinate
- Frequent urination during the day and night
- Difficulty urinating or straining to pass urine
- Weak or dribbling urine stream
- Interrupted urine flow
- Incomplete bladder emptying or the sensation of a full bladder even after urination
Distinctive symptoms of malignant prostate tumors (prostate cancer) include:
- Painful urination or burning sensation
- Blood in urine
- Erectile dysfunction
- Painful ejaculation
- Reduced semen volume during ejaculation
- Blood in semen
Since the symptoms of both conditions are quite similar, men experiencing these symptoms should consult a doctor promptly. A medical diagnosis is necessary to determine the exact cause of these symptoms and provide the appropriate treatment.
Treatment for Benign and Malignant Prostate Tumors
Treatment for benign and malignant prostate tumors varies significantly. Below are the available treatment options for both conditions.
Treatment for Benign Prostate Tumors
Benign prostate tumors or BPH can be managed through various treatment options. One of the recommended treatments is Rezum Therapy. Rezum Therapy is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure that provides long-term benefits. This treatment uses a specialized instrument to deliver steam into the enlarged prostate tissue, reducing its size.
Advantages of Rezum Therapy Compared to Conventional BPH Treatments:
- Eliminates the need for long-term medication
- Symptoms improve within a few weeks
- Preserves male sexual function (erection and ejaculation remain unaffected)
- Performed as an outpatient procedure, allowing patients to go home the same day
- No general anesthesia required
- Faster recovery time
- Can be repeated if BPH symptoms return
Treatment for Malignant Prostate Tumors
Doctors may recommend several procedures to treat malignant prostate tumors or prostate cancer, including:
- Surgery: Prostatectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the prostate. A radical prostatectomy removes both the prostate and seminal vesicles (glands that produce seminal fluid).
- Radiation Therapy: Uses high-energy beams (similar to X-rays) to destroy cancer cells.
- Chemotherapy: Utilizes special drugs to shrink or eliminate cancer cells after they have spread to other parts of the body. These drugs can be taken orally or administered through an IV.
- Hormone Therapy: Blocks cancer cells from receiving the hormones they need to grow.
- Targeted Therapy: Uses medications that specifically attack cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy cells. This therapy is recommended for advanced prostate cancer that no longer responds to hormone therapy.
- Nuclear Therapy: Lutetium-177 nuclear therapy is a treatment option for late-stage prostate cancer that helps reduce cancer spread. This therapy involves administering a specific dose of nuclear medicine to help destroy cancer cells in the body.
Get the Best Prostate Tumor Treatment at Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri
If you are diagnosed with a benign prostate tumor and are considering Rezum Therapy, there is no need to travel abroad. Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri offers Rezum Therapy at a more affordable cost. Our Urology Center is equipped with advanced medical technology and a team of expert urologists dedicated to helping you manage this condition effectively.
For prostate cancer treatment, Mandaya Royal Hospital Puri also has a Comprehensive Cancer Center with a specialized team of doctors who can help you find the best treatment options tailored to your condition.
Take advantage of our WhatsApp Chat, Book Appointment feature, or Care Dokter app, available on Google Play and the App Store, to make your visit easier, check queue numbers, and access complete information about our medical services.
