The prostate is a glandular organ of the male reproductive system. Situated beneath the urinary bladder, the prostate gland produces fluid emitted with semen at ejaculation. Infection, inflammation and cancerous or noncancerous tissue growth can cause prostate enlargement. Symptoms associated with the different causes of a swollen prostate overlap; an appropriate medical workup can determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is a noncancerous growth of the prostatic tissue. The adult prostate gland, influenced by the sex hormones, typically undergoes slow growth during adulthood. In time, this growth may prove substantial, leading to symptoms. The medical reference text "Holland-Frei Cancer Medicine" reports that the growth associated with BPH occurs largely in the tissues that surround the urethra--the structure that transports urine and semen from the body. The overgrowth of prostate tissue in this region often causes impingement on the urethra. Symptoms associated with partially obstructed urine flow result, including weak urine stream, incomplete bladder emptying and frequent urges to pass urine. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases reports that the prevalence of BPH is closely associated with age. As many as nine out of 10 men older than age 70 have symptoms of BPH.
Bacterial Prostatitis
Acute and chronic bacterial prostatitis are two types of prostate gland infections, which typically cause prostate swelling. "The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals" states that bacteria commonly associated with infectious prostatitis include Chlamydia, E. coli, Proteus species and Klebsiella species. The onset of acute bacterial prostatitis typically occurs suddenly. Common symptoms include fever and chills, burning pain associated with urination, incomplete bladder emptying and low pelvic or back pain. A more gradual onset characterizes chronic prostatitis. Symptoms of chronic prostatitis prove less dramatic but similar to those of acute infection. The American Urological Association points out that prostatitis most commonly occurs in men younger than age 50. This fact stands in distinct contrast to BPH, which is most prevalent among older men. Thus, age can be an important factor in guiding the diagnostic workup for a swollen prostate.
Prostate Cancer
Prostate cancer is the most frequent form of cancer among adult males in the United States. Nearly 192,300 men in the United States were diagnosed with cancer of the prostate gland in 2009, according to the American Cancer Society. Approximately 63 percent of prostate cancer cases occur in men older than age 64. Symptoms of prostate cancer noted by the National Cancer Institute include many that relate to physical obstruction of urine flow caused by cancerous enlargement of the prostate. Possible symptoms include difficulty passing urine, increased urinary frequency, painful urination, blood in the urine or semen, low back or thigh pain and impotence.
