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Is BPH the Same as Prostate Cancer?

From About.com

Updated: January 11, 2008

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by V.K. Gadi, MD

Question: Is BPH the Same as Prostate Cancer?

Answer: Benign prostatic hypertrophy is a condition in which the prostate enlarges, placing pressure on the surrounding organs. It is not the same as prostate cancer.

The main symptom of BPH is a decrease in the flow of urine. When a man urinates, urine flows from the bladder and out the penis through a tube known as the urethra. The urethra passes directly through the center of the prostate. As men age, the prostate often enlarges, placing pressure on the urethra and restricting urine flow.

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