Prostate adenoma is a fairly common pathology faced by many men of mature and old age. Despite the fact that the neoplasm is benign, if left untreated, it can lead to a host of complications.
Of course, men are interested in additional information. Why does pathology develop? What symptoms accompany the disease? What complications can lead to neoplasm growth? When is an operation to remove a prostate adenoma needed? The answers to these questions are important to many readers.
General information about the disease
As you know, the prostate gland is an important part of the reproductive system. But with age, its structure changes. A small nodule is formed from the glandular cells, which is constantly increasing - this is how prostate adenoma is formed. The size of the prostate gradually increases. Since this organ goes around the urinary canal, the hypertrophy of its tissuesleads to disruption of the normal outflow of urine. Such a pathological process affects the structure and functioning of the kidneys, bladder and other elements of the urinary system.
It is worth noting that this is an incredibly common pathology. Most often, the disease is recorded in men aged 40 to 50 years. According to statistics, among patients aged 60 to 70 years, the prevalence of the disease is 65%. If we talk about the age category of men from 70 years and older, then this figure is much higher and is about 80-90%.
It is worth noting right away that the symptoms of prostate adenoma can be different. In some patients, the disease is accompanied by severe disorders up to the development of persistent forms of renal failure, while others practically do not notice any changes in their own condition. According to statistics, only 20% of sick men seek medical help.
Main reasons for development
Unfortunately, the mechanisms of formation and further development of prostate adenoma are not completely known. It has been proven that the growth processes of such a neoplasm are directly affected by sex hormones - the disease can be associated with certain disorders of the endocrine system. This explains why men over 50 are most likely to experience this problem.
In addition, experts identify several risk factors, the presence / impact of which increases the chances of developing hypertrophy. Their list includes:
- unfavorableenvironmental situation;
- hypercooling of the body;
- alcohol abuse;
- smoking;
- atherosclerosis;
- stress, which is accompanied by fluctuations in the level of certain hormones;
- some diseases of the genitourinary system, including sexually transmitted diseases.
Prostate adenoma I degree
Of course, many men are interested in disorders that occur against the background of hypertrophy of the gland. Symptoms of prostate adenoma directly depend on the stage of development of the disease. If we are talking about hypertrophy of the first degree, then some pronounced signs may be completely absent. However, in most cases, some violations are still present.
First of all, the urge to empty the bladder becomes more frequent - a man even wakes up 1-2 times at night. Despite the fact that the desire to relieve themselves occurs more often, the volume of urine excreted is much less. There may be a slight delay in urination, which is especially pronounced in the morning.
This stage is called the compensation stage. The pathological process leads to hypertrophy of the muscles of the bladder. In this way, the body manages to maintain the normal functioning of the urinary system.
Adenoma of the second degree: features of the clinical picture
At the second stage, significant changes in the structure of the prostate can already be observed. The prostate adenoma continues to grow, which leads to a violation of the outflow of urine. There are dystrophicchanges in the walls of the bladder. Even after emptying, urine remains in the bladder cavity - at first its volume does not exceed 100-200 ml, but gradually increases. During urination, the patient is forced to strain the muscles of the press and the diaphragm, as a result of which the pressure on the bladder only increases. Periodically, imperative urges appear when the patient cannot restrain the process of urination.
Gradually, the urinary tract expands, the muscles of their walls lose their elasticity. At the stage of subcompensation, the functioning of the kidneys is disrupted. This is how a chronic form of renal failure develops, as a result of which patients suffer from constant thirst, poor he alth. Frequent rises at night due to the urge to urinate affect the emotional state of a man - he becomes tired, weak, irritated, because he simply cannot rest and recover.
Third degree of hypertrophy: symptoms of the disease
The decompensated stage is the most difficult. At this stage, the bladder is distended and always filled with urine. The organ can be palpated, and sometimes its contours can even be seen with the naked eye. Sometimes the upper edge of the bladder reaches the level of the navel.
The patient is unable to defecate even with intense abdominal tension. The urge to urinate becomes constant, but urine is excreted in small portions. Sometimes there are severe pains in the lower abdomen.
Gradually, the urge to emptying weakens and paradoxical urinary retention develops- the bladder is full, there is no urge, and the liquid is constantly released in drops.
The upper urinary tract is greatly changed, dilated. Due to a violation of the outflow of urine, the parenchyma of the kidneys is damaged, the pressure in the system of cups and pelvis increases - the functions of the kidneys are seriously impaired. In such a situation, an operation is needed to remove prostate adenoma.
Diagnostic measures
When you notice alarming symptoms, you need to see a specialist. Only a doctor knows how to treat prostate adenoma. Proper diagnosis is extremely important, because it is important not only to confirm the presence of hypertrophy, but also to determine the stage of development of the disease, the presence of certain complications, the degree of involvement of the kidneys in pathological processes.
- To begin with, of course, a general examination and consultation is carried out, during which the doctor collects information about the patient's symptoms and examines information from his medical record.
- A general and biochemical analysis of blood and urine is mandatory.
- Informative is a digital examination of the prostate gland. During the procedure, the doctor may notice an increase in the organ. In addition, a small amount of prostate secretion is taken for further research.
- Prostate secretions and urethral swabs are sent to a laboratory to be tested for certain pathogens, a test that eliminates the possibilityinfectious process.
- Also, the patient is offered to keep a diary of urination - this helps to assess the work of the bladder and kidneys.
- Ultrasonography of the pelvic organs is mandatory. During the procedure, the doctor can assess the size of the prostate gland, confirm the presence of neoplasms, see kidney and bladder stones (if any), estimate the amount of residual urine, examine the urinary tract.
- Uroflowmetry is also performed. Using a special device, the doctor measures the speed of urine flow, and also determines the time of urination.
- Prostate biopsy and determination of the level of prostate-specific antigen is also carried out. Such studies can detect malignant cells (if any).
Based on the data obtained, the doctor can draw up an adequate treatment regimen, determine whether the patient needs surgical intervention (removal of prostate adenoma).
Medicated treatment
If we are talking about the early stages of the disease, then drug therapy may be effective. Treatment must be combined. In modern medicine, several main groups of drugs are used:
- 5-alpha reductase inhibitors can shrink the prostate. Of course, this is a long process - therapy sometimes lasts more than six months. Drugs are considered effective, which contain components such as finasteride anddutasteride. These substances affect the work of the endocrine glands, help reduce the level of dihydrotestosterone (the activity of this hormone in one way or another affects the functioning and growth of the prostate).
- Alpha-adrenergic blockers are also used. Substances such as terazosin (present in the composition of the Setazin preparation) and tamsulosin (which is the main active ingredient in Omnic tablets) are considered effective. Such drugs relieve spasm of smooth muscles in the tissues of the prostate gland and capsule, which allows you to relieve pressure on the urethra. Thus, it is possible to at least partially normalize the outflow of urine.
- If the patient suffers from impotence, then phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors are included in the treatment regimen.
Lifestyle advice
Of course, taking drugs alone is not enough to normalize the functioning of the genitourinary system. Patients need to follow some medical advice.
- Diet for prostate adenoma is extremely important. It is very important to follow a balanced diet, include fresh vegetables and fruits in the daily menu. But spices, spicy, fried and fatty foods should be excluded. It is recommended to consume lean meat in boiled form (you can also cook in the oven or steam). Alcohol is also contraindicated, as well as any products that irritate the walls of the urinary tract.
- Exercise for prostate adenoma is also necessary. Special physical therapy (including Kegel exercises) helps to eliminate congestion inpelvic organs, normalize blood circulation, strengthen the muscles and ligaments of the pelvic floor. Full-body muscle training helps you stay fit and fight obesity (excess weight puts extra pressure on your pelvic organs).
- Patients are also advised to limit the amount of liquids, fruits and berries consumed in the evening. Before going to bed, be sure to empty your bladder. Compliance with such simple rules helps to reduce the number of night rises - the man will have the opportunity to have a good rest.
Surgery for prostate adenoma
Unfortunately, conservative treatment does not always give the desired result. In most cases, patients require surgery. Prostate adenoma can be removed at any stage of the development of the disease. To date, surgery is one of the most effective means. There are several methods of surgical correction.
- Transurethral resection of the prostate. Provides for the removal of hypertrophied tissues with the help of special equipment through the urethra. With the help of an electric loop (using optical equipment), the doctor scrapes out the overgrown areas of the prostate. This procedure is possible only if the size of the gland does not exceed 60-80 cm3. The operation of such a plan allows you to save sexual function. As for contraindications, the procedure is not carried out in the presence of infectious diseases,blood clotting disorders, the general serious condition of the patient.
- Open adenomectomy is a full abdominal operation. Prostate adenoma is managed through an incision in the abdominal wall. Such a procedure is indicated if more gentle interventions are not possible (for example, if the tumor is large). During the operation, the doctor may also remove stones from the urinary tract, repair the walls of the bladder, etc.
- There are also safer, non-invasive techniques, such as laser correction. The use of such procedures, unfortunately, is possible only in the early stages of the development of the disease.
Of course, after surgery, a recovery period follows. There is a risk of complications, in particular inflammatory diseases, infection of tissues, formation of blood clots, etc. According to statistics, in most cases, the operation is well tolerated by patients.
Possible Complications
Properly formulated therapy helps to cope with such pathology as prostate adenoma. Reviews of doctors and statistical studies, however, indicate that sometimes the disease leads to the development of dangerous complications.
- Sharp prostate hypertrophy sometimes leads to acute urinary retention. The patient cannot empty the bladder, even if it is as full as possible, as the prostate gland compresses the urinary tract. In such cases, catheterization of the bladder is mandatory. Sometimesa bladder puncture or even emergency surgery is required.
- If left untreated, the prostate continues to grow, which leads to disruption of the normal outflow of urine. This is fraught with the development of chronic forms of renal failure.
- The list of complications also includes hematuria - blood impurities periodically appear in the patient's urine. Injury to the adenoma (for example, received during some kind of diagnostic manipulation) is often accompanied by intense bleeding.
- Pathology sometimes leads to varicose veins in the area of the bladder neck. The thin walls of the vessels are more susceptible to various injuries - the rupture of a small vein is accompanied by severe bleeding. Sometimes a blood clot blocks the flow of urine from the bladder - in this case, the patient needs urgent surgery.
- Stagnation of urine sometimes leads to the formation of bladder stones.
- It is worth saying that stagnation significantly increases the risk of developing infectious diseases, as this creates ideal conditions for the active reproduction of representatives of opportunistic microflora. Prostate adenoma is often complicated by prostatitis, urethritis, vesiculitis, epididymitis, orchitis, acute and chronic forms of pyelonephritis.
Effective traditional medicine
Treatment of prostate adenoma with folk remedies is possible. Experienced herbalists can offer a huge number of really effective recipes.
- Inflammation, severe pain and burning sensation can be relieved withdecoction of cumin and yarrow.
- With adenoma, a decoction of fresh parsley is recommended. To improve the taste of the product, you can use honey and fresh lemon juice. It is believed that the decoction helps relieve swelling of the prostate gland and alleviate the patient's condition. Moreover, the medicine is used to dissolve and expel stones from the bladder and urethra.
- Many herbalists claim that a decoction of chamomile and sprouted grains of rye helps to cope even with severe pain. This medicine helps relieve swelling and inflammation of the prostate.
- Dandelion infusion may also be helpful. This tool stimulates blood flow, eliminates congestion and, accordingly, improves the nutrition of prostate tissues, saturates them with oxygen and useful substances.
- If prostate hypertrophy is associated with the formation of bladder stones, then it is recommended to take a decoction of grass and leaves of nettle nettle (you can collect the plants yourself or purchase ready-made raw materials in a pharmacy). Flavonoids, which are present in the composition of this plant, gradually dissolve calcium formations and remove them from the body.
- Decoctions of sage herb and rose hips also have pronounced anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, such a medicine helps to strengthen the immune system, invigorate, and significantly improve the patient's condition.
- You can also relieve inflammation with a decoction of calendula. By the way, it is believed that the periodic use of this remedy prevents the development of cancer.
Of course, it is impossible to use such drugs without permission - you must definitely consult a doctor. It should be understood that herbal decoctions and tinctures can only be used as adjuvants, in no case should they replace drug therapy.
Prevention measures
You already know why prostate adenoma develops in men. Unfortunately, there are no specific preventive drugs. In order to avoid the development of hypertrophy, you just need to follow some precautions:
- avoid hypothermia, both general and local (for example, in the groin or lower extremities);
- should exclude coffee and alcohol from the diet (or at least reduce their amount as much as possible);
- recommended to stop smoking, as nicotine constricts blood vessels, impairs blood circulation, increases the risk of bladder cancer;
- it is important to eat right, completely exclude fatty, fried and spicy foods from the menu;
- it is not recommended to delay the process of urination and try to empty the bladder completely;
- avoid stress if possible, as nervous strain affects the hormonal background;
- do not forget about preventive medical examinations - at least twice a year you need to visit a urologist, even if any alarming symptoms are completely absent.
Of course, when the first symptoms appear, you need to see a doctor as soon as possible. If prostate adenomagland was diagnosed at an early stage of development, then the chances of successful drug treatment are greater, and the likelihood of certain complications is much less.
