Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
BPH types by growth pattern, symptom severity and complications - median-lobe enlargement, complicated vs uncomplicated disease, and the look-alikes that must be ruled out.
BPH is one condition, but it is classified several useful ways - by how it grows, how severe the symptoms are, and how much it obstructs. The types guide treatment choice, and separating BPH from its look-alikes guides whether the treatment is for BPH at all.
Same symptoms, different disease - each needs its own treatment:
Classically, Vatashtheela is one of roughly a dozen Mutraghata (urinary obstruction) types in Sushruta's classification (Uttara Tantra 58) - each named by its dosha pattern and mechanism: Vataja, Pittaja, Kaphaja, stone (Ashmari), and others. The classical insistence on distinguishing obstruction types before treating - Vata-type (irregular, painful flow), Kapha-type (heavy, slow, mucoid), and the firm Ashtheela growth itself - is an ancient version of the modern differential diagnosis: identify the mechanism, then treat.
Does prostate size determine how bad symptoms are? No - size and symptoms correlate poorly. The location of growth (especially median-lobe) and bladder response matter more than the gram weight of the gland.
What is a median lobe and why does it matter? A portion of prostate growing up into the bladder outlet. It can obstruct severely despite a small overall gland, responds less well to medicines, and is often best treated with a procedure.
Can I have BPH without symptoms? Yes - many men have enlargement on scans or examination with no symptoms at all. It needs no treatment, just periodic review.
How do doctors tell BPH from prostate cancer? By combining the PSA blood test, the physical prostate examination, and when indicated, imaging or biopsy. BPH raises PSA modestly; a steeply rising or very high PSA prompts cancer evaluation. The two can also coexist.
Written By
Dr. Daksh
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
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