Final answer:
A possible outcome of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is urethral obstruction, leading to various urinary tract symptoms. Treatments include medication or surgery, depending on the case's severity. BPH is not linked to prostate cancer, although they share similar symptoms.
Step-by-step explanation:
A possible outcome of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is urethral obstruction. When the prostate gland, located below the bladder, enlarges abnormally, it can squeeze or partially block the urethra, which runs through the center of the prostate. This can lead to symptoms such as a frequent and intense urge to urinate, a weak urine stream, and the feeling that the bladder is not completely empty after urination.
This condition is common; about 40 percent of men experience some form of BPH by age 60, which increases to as much as 80 percent by age 80. Treatments for BPH aim to alleviate these symptoms and include medications for mild to moderate cases and surgery for severe cases, where a portion of the prostate tissue may be removed to relieve the pressure on the urethra.
While BPH can significantly impact quality of life, it is important to note that it does not have a direct link to prostate cancer, though the symptoms can be similar. However, unlike BPH, certain aggressive forms of prostate cancer can involve metastasis to other organs, and diagnosis is typically confirmed through blood tests, a rectal exam, and a biopsy if necessary.