Urinary Disorders: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, Prostate Cancer, and Testicular Cancer

These flashcards cover key concepts related to urinary disorders, including benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer, as discussed in the lecture.

What is benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?

An enlargement of the prostate that interferes with urine flow.

What are some symptoms of BPH?

Urinary frequency, urgency, hesitancy, incontinence, nocturia, and diminished urine stream.

How is BPH diagnosed?

Based on symptoms, confirmed with a digital rectal examination (DRE) and urinalysis.

What role does prostate specific antigen (PSA) play in diagnosing prostate conditions?

PSA is a protein that may indicate the presence of prostate cancer but does not distinguish between cancer and BPH.

What types of medications are used to treat BPH?

Five alpha reductase inhibitors and alpha adrenergic blockers.

What is the mechanism of action of five alpha reductase inhibitors?

They prevent testosterone from being converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), leading to prostate tissue shrinkage.

What is a transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP)?

A surgical procedure to remove inner prostate tissue to improve urinary flow.

What are common adverse effects of alpha adrenergic blockers?

Headache, dizziness, nasal congestion, and drowsiness.

What complications can arise from an open prostatectomy?

Higher risk of incontinence, impotence, and retrograde ejaculation.

What is the primary characteristic of prostate cancer in its early stages?

It often presents without symptoms and is slow-growing.

At what age does the American Cancer Society recommend men start having annual digital rectal exams?

Age 50, or age 45 for African American men and those with a family history.

What is brachytherapy?

A procedure that involves placing radioactive seeds in the prostate for cancer treatment.

What are some symptoms of testicular cancer?

Painless mass, swelling, hardness in the scrotum, acute testicular pain, and discomfort.

Which tumor markers are commonly associated with testicular cancer?

Alpha fetoprotein and human chorionic gonadotropin.