Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy.

Resolved question:
i want to ask how ct scan calculates enlargement of prostate gland and how it differentiates it is not something else by indicating just slight enlargement of prostate and nothing else

Submitted: 4 Days
Category: Family Physician-GP

Expert:  Dr. Jaydeep Tripathy replied 4 Days.

Hello,

Thank you for choosing DoctorSpring.

CT scan is not the typical investigation used to access prostate. But we can get a reasonable idea about prostate from a CT. The size of prostate can be can be measure by calculating the volume = height x width x depth. Normally volume is less than 30cc. If more than that enlargement of prostate is suspected. Other features like protrusion of the prostate into the bladder can also suggest Prostate enlargement.

If there is irregularity / invasion into other organs it can be noted (in case of cancerous growth).

Hope this helps
Feel free to ask for followups / clarifications
Thank you

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Patient replied :

couldn't clearly understand what do u mean irregularity/invasion into other organs it can be noted. how? i mean does it mean if there would have been such thing it could have been noted by ct scan


Expert:  Dr. Jaydeep Tripathy replied 3 Days.

Yes, if there would have been such thing ( the prostate grown and compressing the bladder, irregular outline, irregularities inside the prostate ) etc could be identified in a CT scan. But the best investigation for properly see this is MRI. How is it identified ? Visually, by looking at the scan.

But either way it is not entirely possible to say whether a swelling is cancer or not. You will need a PSA blood test and/or biopsy for this purpose.

Thank you. Freel free to ask clarifications if required.

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Patient replied :

thanks but i read prostate enlargement happens in one zone and cancers arise from other zone so if ct scan shows slight enlargement and everything else normal then it means no need to worry about any other thing with no symptoms also . it was just a routine abdominal ct scan which showed slight enlargement of prostate and everything else normal.


Expert:  Dr. Jaydeep Tripathy replied 2 Days.

Hello,

Ofcourse if there is only mild prostate enlargement and no other symptoms there is nothing to worry. Cancer and BPH enlargement occurs in two areas (in the initial stages) but it cannot be differentiated in the CT. (it will need a histopathology examination) If you are above 50 years of age it is prudent to do a PSA test (blood test) to be sure.

Thank you

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