Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) vs. Prostate Cancer

Summary

The video explains the structure, function, and disorders of the male prostate. It highlights the prostate’s role in producing prostatic fluid, its division into functional zones, and how hormones like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone influence growth. Age-related hormonal changes can lead to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate cancer, affecting urination and tissue function. BPH involves nodular growth in the transition zone, while prostate cancer often arises in the peripheral zone with uncontrolled cell division and potential metastasis. Treatments range from medications like five-alpha reductase inhibitors for BPH to surgical and therapeutic interventions for prostate cancer, including radical prostatectomy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, and radiation.

Takeaways

• 🧬 The prostate is a male reproductive gland that produces prostatic fluid, a key component of semen that helps transport sperm during ejaculation.
• 🚻 The urethra passes through the prostate, carrying urine from the bladder through the penis to exit the body.
• 🟢 The prostate is divided into functional zones: the transition zone, central zone, and peripheral zone.
• 🏗️ Prostate tissue is made up of secretory glands and ducts, surrounded by fibrous stroma.
• 💉 Testosterone influences prostate growth and development throughout life, with stromal cells converting it to dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
• ⚡ Dihydrotestosterone stimulates prostate cell division and growth by binding to stromal cells and releasing signaling factors.
• 📈 Hormonal changes with age, including increased DHT accumulation and altered testosterone/estrogen levels, can lead to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate cancer.
• 🧱 BPH involves proliferation of glandular epithelium and stroma in the transition zone, forming nodules that compress the urethra and disrupt urination.
• 🎯 Prostate cancer often originates in the peripheral zone, with uncontrolled epithelial cell growth forming malignant tumors that may metastasize.
• 💊 Treatments for BPH include 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors that block DHT formation, reducing prostate growth.
• 🔪 Prostate cancer treatments include radical prostatectomy, TURP, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and radiation therapy, depending on severity.

Q & A

What is the primary function of the prostate in the male reproductive system?

The prostate produces prostatic fluid, a component of semen, which helps carry sperm during ejaculation.

Through which structure does urine pass that also goes through the prostate?

Urine passes through the urethra, which runs from the bladder through the penis and passes through the prostate.

What are the main functional zones of the prostate?

The prostate is divided into three main functional zones: the transition zone, central zone, and peripheral zone.

How does testosterone influence the growth and development of the prostate?

Testosterone affects prostate growth by being converted into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in stromal cells, which then stimulates cell division and tissue growth.

What hormonal changes occur in aging men that affect the prostate?

As men age, dihydrotestosterone can accumulate, testosterone levels decrease, and estrogen levels rise, potentially leading to excessive prostate cell growth.

What characterizes benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and which zone is primarily affected?

BPH is characterized by proliferation of glandular epithelium and stroma in the transition zone, forming nodules that enlarge the tissue and compress the urethra.

Where does prostate cancer commonly develop, and how does it differ from BPH?

Prostate cancer commonly develops in the peripheral zone, where glandular epithelial cells mutate and divide uncontrollably, forming malignant tumors, unlike the benign growth seen in BPH.

What is metastasis in the context of prostate cancer?

Metastasis is the process by which prostate cancer tumor cells spread from the prostate to nearby or distant tissues.

Which medications are used to treat BPH and how do they work?

5-alpha-reductase inhibitors are used to treat BPH; they block the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, reducing stromal and epithelial growth and shrinking the prostate.

What is a radical prostatectomy and when is it used?

A radical prostatectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the entire prostate and selected surrounding tissues, primarily used to treat prostate cancer.

Besides surgery, what other treatments are available for prostate cancer?

Other treatments include chemotherapy, hormone therapy, radiation therapy, and procedures such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).

What role does the stroma play in the prostate's function and growth?

The stroma, composed of fibrous and muscular tissue, surrounds secretory glands and ducts, and its cells respond to DHT by releasing factors that stimulate prostatic cell division and growth.