Q: What is the purpose of the prostate?

Ask Our Expert About Prostate Cancer

About Our Experts

Brian Murphy, M.D., is chair of the division of urology at Lehigh Valley Health Network.

Joseph Trapasso, M.D., is a urologic oncologist with Lehigh Valley Health Network's Urologic Associates of Allentown.

• What is the purpose of the prostate?
• Why does the prostate become enlarged?
• How is BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) diagnosed?
• How is BPH treated?
• Does BPH lead to cancer?
• Is there a way to detect prostate cancer early?
• Are certain groups of men at greater risk for prostate cancer?
• How do age and weight affect my PSA level?
• Can anything else affect PSA levels?
• How is prostate cancer treated?

Q: What is the purpose of the prostate?

A: Found only in men, the prostate gland functions as part of the reproductive system by making fluid that becomes part of semen. It is located in front of the rectum and just below the bladder, the organ that stores urine. The prostate surrounds the tube that carries urine from the body (urethra).

Q: Why does the prostate become enlarged?

A: Although the cause is not exactly known, it’s very common for the prostate to grow with age. As it expands, it puts pressure on the urethra and bladder. This condition is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Symptoms of BPH include difficulty starting the urine flow, a slow flow, a strong urge to urinate, or urinating frequently overnight. Approximately one in three men will notice BPH symptoms at some point in life.

Q: How is BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) diagnosed?

A: A doctor does a digital rectal exam (DRE) to check the size and condition of the prostate by inserting a gloved finger into the rectum. Special X-rays or scans also may be used to examine the urethra, prostate and bladder.

Q: How is BPH treated?

A: Many medications are available to relieve the symptoms of BPH. They either shrink the prostate or relax the prostate muscles. When the prostate is overly enlarged and medication is not effective, minimally invasive surgery is an option. GreenLight™ laser therapy allows patients to go home the same day. A fiber is inserted through the urethra to deliver energy that vaporizes excessive prostate tissue. Compared to other procedures, GreenLight causes little blood loss and results in quicker recovery times.

Q: Does BPH lead to cancer?

A: While it is true that some men with BPH can develop prostate cancer, the two conditions are not automatically linked. In fact, most men with BPH do not develop prostate cancer. Because early symptoms for both conditions could be the same, it’s important to see your doctor as soon as you begin experiencing any problems.

Q: Is there a way to detect prostate cancer early?

A: Yes. A yearly doctor’s exam and a test that measures the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood are effective ways of early detection. It still remains somewhat unclear about the value of PSA testing, and researchers won’t have definite answers for a few more years. What is known is that most men have a PSA level under 4. When prostate cancer develops, the PSA level often rises above 4, though not always. Therefore, it’s important to assess the rate at which it rises over time, called PSA velocity.

Q: Are certain groups of men at greater risk for prostate cancer?

A: Yes. African-American men and men with a family history of prostate cancer are at greater risk. If you fall into one of these categories, you should begin testing at age 40. If you do not fall into one of these categories, you should begin testing at age 50. It’s important to discuss your results with your doctor because age and weight play a role in determining how your results are interpreted.

Q: How do age and weight affect my PSA level?

A: PSA levels normally rise with age. That means a level near 4 might be worrisome for a 50-year-old but less so for a 70- or 80-year-old. Obese men have slightly lower PSA levels and a lower risk for developing prostate cancer. However, obese men who do develop prostate cancer have a 40 percent increased risk of dying from the disease. For these reasons, it’s important to discuss your results with your doctor.

Q: Can anything else affect PSA levels?

A: Yes. Medications to treat hair loss (Rogaine, Propecia) or an enlarged prostate (Proscar, Avodart) may falsely lower PSA levels. Tell your doctor if you’re taking these medications.

Q: How is prostate cancer treated?

A: The answer to this question has a lot to do with your age and general health. Because prostate cancer tends to be a slow-growing cancer, and treatments can have serious side-effects, it may be beneficial for older men not to pursue aggressive treatment. These treatments include removing the entire prostate gland or using radiation or a freezing technique to kill cancer cells.

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