What is the Prostate? Symptoms and Treatment Methods

The prostate is a walnut-sized gland found only in men, located just below the bladder, and is vital for reproductive functions. As men age, abnormal cellular growth and multiplication can occur in this gland; this may present as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate cancer. When diagnosed early, treatments for prostate conditions have highly successful outcomes.

• The prostate is part of the male reproductive system and produces the fluid portion of semen.
• The risk of prostate enlargement or cancer increases significantly in men over 50.
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) does not turn into cancer and does not spread to other parts of the body.
• Early-stage prostate cancer often shows no symptoms, making routine screenings lifesaving.
• The diagnostic process involves a digital rectal exam, PSA blood test, and prostate MRI.

What is the Prostate and What Does It Do?

The prostate is a male-specific gland located just below the bladder, wrapping around the urethra (the tube that carries urine). Its primary function is to help produce seminal fluid, which nourishes and protects sperm. About the size of a walnut in a man's younger years, this organ naturally tends to grow as age advances. For most men, this growth process begins in their 40s and continues throughout life.

Over time, these cellular changes can press against the urinary tract, paving the way for various complaints. Although the word "prostate" is often used in daily conversation as if it were a disease, it is actually an anatomical structure every man has. The conditions people usually mean are prostate inflammation (prostatitis), prostate enlargement, and prostate cancer. Because structural changes in this gland accelerate particularly in men over 50, regular check-ups are crucial for maintaining a healthy life.

What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the age-related cellular enlargement of the prostate gland, which ends up squeezing the urinary tract. This condition is an entirely different clinical picture from prostate cancer. BPH is not a life-threatening disease, nor does it have the ability to spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. However, by making urine flow difficult, it can severely reduce a man's quality of life.

While the exact causes of prostate enlargement are not fully understood, aging and changes in male hormones (testosterone) are known to be the biggest triggers. Men with a family history of prostate enlargement are more likely to develop the condition. Difficulty starting urination, a weak or interrupted urine stream, frequent trips to the bathroom at night, and the feeling of not fully emptying the bladder are the most typical signs. For those seeking a non-surgical solution to prostate enlargement, innovative methods developed in recent years allow patients to return to their daily routines much faster.

What Are the Symptoms of Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer occurs when cells in the prostate gland multiply uncontrollably and abnormally. As one of the most common types of cancer in men, it usually progresses very slowly and remains confined to the prostate gland in its initial stages. Its most insidious feature is that it often shows no symptoms in the early stages. Therefore, regular screenings hold immense value rather than waiting for prostate cancer symptoms to appear.

As the disease advances and the tumor tissue grows to press on surrounding tissues, various complaints begin to emerge. Advanced cancer symptoms include difficulty urinating, a noticeable decrease in urine pressure, and blood in the urine or semen. Furthermore, if the cancer spreads to the bones (metastasis), stubborn bone pain in the back, hips, or pelvic area, unexplained weight loss, and erectile dysfunction may occur. If you notice any of these symptoms, consulting a specialist without delay will increase the chances of early intervention.

Diagnostic Methods for Prostate Diseases

Accurately diagnosing prostate diseases plays a critical role in determining the right treatment steps. When you visit the hospital, your doctor will first listen to your medical history and evaluate your complaints. Next comes the physical examination. A digital rectal exam is the most basic and rapid method used to understand the size and consistency of the gland, and to check for any hardness or nodules on it.

In addition to the physical exam, a PSA test is requested to measure the level of prostate-specific antigen in the blood. A higher-than-normal PSA value indicates an issue in the prostate, but it is not enough to diagnose cancer on its own. In suspicious cases, a multiparametric MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) specific to the prostate is performed to examine the internal structure of the gland in detail. A definitive diagnosis is made by examining tissue samples (biopsy) taken under MRI or ultrasound guidance in a pathology laboratory.

How is Prostate Treatment Performed?

The treatment of these conditions is uniquely planned according to the patient's age, overall health status, and the type and stage of the disease. The prostate treatment methods used for benign enlargement and cancer are completely different from each other. Thanks to early diagnosis and current medical technologies, highly successful results are achieved today.

Medication Treatments

In the initial stages of benign prostatic hyperplasia, medication is usually the first line of treatment. These drugs relax the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck to ease urine flow or help shrink the prostate slightly through hormonal pathways. With regular use, patients often see a significant reduction in their complaints. In cases of prostate inflammation (prostatitis), antibiotics and pain relievers are prescribed.

Prostate Cancer Surgery and Surgical Interventions

For early-stage cancers, the most effective treatment option is the complete surgical removal of the prostate gland (radical prostatectomy). Alongside traditional open surgery, minimally invasive methods—especially robotic surgery—are frequently preferred. Prostate cancer surgery performed with robotic systems provides the surgeon with high maneuverability and a clear three-dimensional view, helping to preserve the nerves and blood vessels surrounding the prostate. For benign enlargement cases, closed surgeries (such as TURP or laser vaporization), where the inner part of the prostate is cleared through the urinary tract, can be applied.

Radiotherapy and Other Methods

For patients who are not suitable for surgery or prefer to avoid surgical intervention, radiotherapy (radiation therapy) is a strong alternative. High-energy rays are used to destroy cancer cells. In advanced stages, systemic treatments like hormone therapy and chemotherapy step in to slow the spread of the disease throughout the body. To win the fight against the disease, healthy eating and regular exercise habits are just as important as medical treatments.

Complications and Risk Groups

If left untreated, prostate diseases can lead to serious health problems. Benign prostatic hyperplasia can completely block the urinary tract, causing an inability to urinate (acute urinary retention). This situation sets the stage for kidney failure, recurrent urinary tract infections, and bladder stone formation. Untreated prostate cancer, on the other hand, can spread to lymph nodes, bones, and other organs, reaching a life-threatening stage.

When looking at risk factors, advancing age is the most defining element. The risk increases exponentially, especially for men over 50. Individuals with a family history of prostate cancer in their father or brother have a much higher likelihood of developing the disease. Additionally, a family history of breast cancer can also increase the risk through genetic mutations. In individuals struggling with obesity, it is known that the cancer tends to be more aggressive and has a higher chance of recurring after treatment.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Because prostate diseases can progress silently, you should have a routine urological exam and blood test once a year starting at age 50, even if you have no complaints. For men with a family history of prostate cancer, it is recommended to start these screenings at age 45. You must keep in mind that early diagnosis saves lives.

If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should see a specialist without delay:

• Difficulty starting urination or a weak urine stream
• The need to urinate frequently at night
• A burning sensation, discomfort, or pain while urinating
• Blood in the urine or semen
• Unexplained pain in the lower back, hips, or pelvic area

If you suddenly become entirely unable to urinate or if there is a large amount of blood in your urine, this requires emergency medical intervention. In such a scenario, you should immediately go to the nearest hospital emergency room or call 112 for help.

The Prostate Treatment Process at BHT CLINIC İstanbul Tema Hastanesi

For any concerns regarding your prostate health, the Urology department at BHT CLINIC İstanbul Tema Hastanesi is by your side with its expert medical staff. When you visit our hospital, your complaints are listened to in detail, and your condition is clarified using modern diagnostic methods (multiparametric MRI, precise blood tests, biopsy). Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yasin Yitgin and our other specialist physicians working at BHT CLINIC will work with you to create the most appropriate, up-to-date, and personalized treatment plan for the stage of your disease.

Our hospital's 24/7 emergency service offers uninterrupted intervention in cases of sudden urinary blockage or bleeding. Bringing your previous blood tests, ultrasound, or MRI results with you when you come for an outpatient clinic examination will speed up your process. To avoid delaying your health and for a detailed evaluation, you can easily book your visit through our appointment page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should a normal PSA level be?

PSA levels vary according to age and prostate volume. While values below 4 ng/mL are generally considered normal as a broad reference, lower levels are targeted for younger patients. A definitive evaluation must always be made by a urology specialist.

Does prostate enlargement turn into cancer?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) does not mean the cells are becoming cancerous and does not turn into prostate cancer over time. However, a person can have both benign enlargement and cancer at the same time; therefore, regular screenings are essential.

Is sexual life affected after prostate surgery?

This risk varies depending on the type of surgery and the patient's general condition. Especially in surgeries performed with nerve-sparing techniques like robotic surgery, the goal is to preserve sexual functions by minimizing the risk of damage to the nerves that enable erections.

Do prostate diseases occur at a young age?

While prostate enlargement and cancer are generally seen in men over 50, prostate inflammation (prostatitis) is a very common issue that causes urinary complaints in young men in their 20s and 30s.

Can prostate cancer be completely cured?

When diagnosed while the disease is still confined to the prostate gland (in the early stage), the rate of complete treatment and recovery through surgery or radiotherapy is quite high. For this reason, early diagnosis is the most crucial step of the treatment.

This article is for informational purposes only; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.