Changes in urination can be frustrating and worrying. A weak urine stream, getting up often at night, or feeling like your bladder never fully empties can interrupt your life and cause real stress. Many prostate conditions can cause these problems, which makes it hard to know what’s going on.
Two of the most common causes are benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer. While they can cause similar urinary symptoms, they are very different conditions. Understanding the symptoms of BPH vs prostate cancer can help you know when it’s time to seek care and get answers.
What Does the Prostate Do?
The prostate is a small gland that surrounds the tube that carries urine out of the body. Its main job is to produce some of the fluid in semen. Because of where it sits, even a small change in size or texture can affect the flow of urine.
What Is BPH?
BPH is the medical term for the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate that becomes more common with age. As the prostate grows, it can press against the urethra and interfere with urine flow. BPH does not turn into prostate cancer, but they share risk factors and can coexist.
BPH vs Prostate Cancer: Main Differences
The biggest difference is that BPH is an overgrowth of normal prostate tissue. Prostate cancer, on the other hand, involves cells that grow in an uncontrolled, abnormal way. In BPH, the growth stays within the prostate and does not invade surrounding structures.
With prostate cancer, the cells behave very differently. They can break away from the prostate and grow into nearby tissues. In more serious cases, the cells travel to other parts of the body.
When prostate cancer spreads beyond the gland, it most often affects the lymph nodes, and bones. Sometimes it can affect organs such as the lungs or liver. This stage is known as advanced or metastatic prostate cancer. It can lead to symptoms outside the urinary tract.
What Symptoms Do BPH and Prostate Cancer Have in Common?
Because both conditions involve the prostate, some symptoms overlap. With both conditions, men may notice:
- A weaker urine stream
- Difficulty getting the stream started
- Needing to urinate more often, especially at night
- Feeling like the bladder doesn’t empty fully
- Sudden urges to urinate
These symptoms do not tell you which condition is present, only that something is changing and needs evaluation.
Prostate Cancer Symptoms That Could Be More Concerning
Early prostate cancer may cause no symptoms at all. In fact, many men feel completely normal in the early stages, which is why routine screening is so important. When symptoms do appear, they often resemble the same urinary changes seen with BPH. But, there are certain symptoms that tend to raise more concern for prostate cancer, including:
- Blood in the urine or semen
- Lower back pain that doesn’t improve
- Erectile difficulties that develop gradually
- Discomfort or pressure in the pelvis that doesn’t go away
- Pain with ejaculation or a noticeable change in sexual function
Having these symptoms doesn’t automatically mean cancer, but they should be looked into right away.
Men may face additional issues with more aggressive or advanced prostate cancer, especially if it has spread beyond the prostate. Symptoms that usually appear later in the disease include:
- Ongoing bone pain, often in the hips, spine, or ribs
- Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
- Swelling in the legs
- Severe back pain
- Difficulty walking if cancer affects the spine
- Loss of bladder or bowel control in rare, urgent situations
When to See a Doctor for BPH vs Prostate Cancer Symptoms
Changes in urination should never be ignored. While many symptoms of BPH vs prostate cancer overlap, only a proper exam and testing can tell what’s really going on. The sooner you get checked, the sooner you can find relief and protect your health.
Our experienced urologists in Lake Barrington, Elgin, and Hoffman Estates are here to help get you back on the right track. If something doesn’t feel right, schedule an appointment and take the next step toward peace of mind.
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