Abstract
From April 1989 to April 1994 we performed a mass-screening for early diagnosis of prostatic carcinoma (by D.R.E.) on 7303 men aged 50-79 years. Moreover we evaluated the prevalence of obstructive urinary symptoms and clinically significant B.P.H. We found a prevalence rate of benign prostatic hyperplasia of 17.3% (1259/7303). The most commonly found were incomplete bladder emptying, dribbling and weak stream force. The prevalence of urinary symptoms rose significantly with increasing age and prostate size (evaluated also by T.R.U.S. on 480 men). We haven't found clear correlations between BPH and occupational or environmental risk factors. Despite the good knowledge about the development of pathological B.P.H., there is little agreement about the definition of the clinical patterns of the disease. For Garraway, B.P.H. is an enlargement of the prostate gland for an equivalent weight >20 g. in the presence of symptoms of urinary dysfunction and/or a urinary peak flow rate < 15 ml/s. Our study presents some correlations with Garraway's experience, making use of clinical and morphological evaluations. A correct clinical and social interpretation of the disease will be feasible only by comparing populations with similar diagnostic and therapeutical patterns.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.