Enlarged Prostate vs. Prostate Cancer: Similar Symptoms, Different Paths

Are Your Symptoms Pointing to BPH or Something More Serious?

You’re waking up multiple times a night to use the bathroom. You hesitate before long car rides. You feel like your bladder never truly empties. For many men, these changes are chalked up to aging. But when urinary symptoms show up, it’s natural to wonder—is this an enlarged prostate, or something more serious like prostate cancer?

Both benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer can cause similar symptoms. But their causes, risks, and treatments are completely different. Understanding the distinction could help you avoid unnecessary worry—or catch something early, when treatment is most effective.

BPH and Prostate Cancer: What’s the Difference?

BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. It’s common—up to 70% of men over 60 experience some form of it. BPH can make it harder to urinate because the enlarged prostate presses on the urethra.

Prostate cancer, on the other hand, is a malignant growth that can spread beyond the prostate gland. Not all prostate cancers are aggressive, but some are. Early detection is key.

Shared Symptoms

• Difficulty starting urination
  
• Weak or interrupted stream
  
• Frequent urination, especially at night
  
• Feeling like the bladder isn’t empty
  
• Sudden urge to urinate
  

These overlapping symptoms make diagnosis tricky without proper testing.

How Diagnosis Differs

• BPH is usually diagnosed through a physical exam and symptoms checklist, sometimes supported by imaging or urine flow studies.
  
• Prostate cancer often starts with a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test and digital rectal exam. If results are abnormal, a biopsy is often needed.
  

According to the American Cancer Society, early-stage prostate cancer often has no symptoms. That’s why routine screenings matter.

Why Treatment Paths Vary

For BPH:

One of the most promising non-surgical treatments is Prostate Artery Embolization (PAE)—a minimally invasive procedure performed by an interventional radiologist. Tiny particles are injected to block blood flow to specific areas of the prostate, causing it to shrink. PAE has been shown to relieve symptoms while avoiding surgery and preserving sexual function.

For Prostate Cancer:

Depending on the stage and aggressiveness, treatment may involve:

• Active surveillance
  
• Surgery (prostatectomy)
  
• Radiation therapy
  
• Hormone therapy
  
• Chemotherapy (in advanced cases)
  

Interventional radiology may play a role in diagnosis (e.g. image-guided biopsy) but not in primary treatment for most prostate cancers.

Why Misunderstanding the Difference Could Cost You

Some men delay treatment for BPH out of fear it’s cancer. Others dismiss prostate cancer symptoms thinking it’s just BPH. The result? Missed opportunities for early intervention—or unnecessary suffering.

If you’re asking yourself whether your symptoms are caused by an enlarged prostate vs. prostate cancer, the only way to know is through a professional evaluation.

So What Should You Do?

1. Don’t self-diagnose. Talk to a urologist or interventional radiologist.
   
2. Get screened. A PSA test and proper imaging can clarify your next steps.
   
3. Know your options. If it’s BPH, ask about PAE—especially if you’re looking for a non-surgical solution.
   

Conclusion: Know What You’re Treating—Then Choose Wisely

BPH and prostate cancer can look similar on the surface but require vastly different approaches. The good news? Many men with BPH now have a choice beyond surgery. Prostate Artery Embolization offers real relief with less downtime, fewer complications, and a better quality of life.

If you’re unsure what’s behind your symptoms, start by learning more. Visit the Doctorize Blog for guidance, or ask your provider whether an interventional radiologist could help.