benign prostatic hyperplasia
Synonyms: benign prostatic hypertrophy
Abbreviations: BPH
Definition: (hye-per-PLAY-zha): A benign (noncancerous) condition in which an overgrowth of prostate tissue pushes against the urethra and the bladder, blocking the flow of urine. Also called benign prostatic hypertrophy or BPH. (NCI) With hyperplasia, there is an abnormal multiplication of the non-malignant prostate cells. With hypertrophy it is because of an increase in the size of the constituent cells and causes the same symptoms, such as the frequent need to urinate at night. In both BPHs there may be an above normal PSA reading.
For more information: See a drawing at Phoenix5 that shows how the prostate surrounds the urethra.
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Definitions are provided for education only and are not medical advice. Created exclusively for Phoenix5. © 2002 Phoenix5.
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