Book 4 - Self Instructional Manual for Cancer Registrars - SEER ...

Figure 51. PROSTATE GLAND (frontal view)Vm8deferenBse.l..t .e.lcte . ":'-, /I/Rlaht Lateral lobe Left teteral lobeProst,st ic _[uc t 8 dr_ /,__ _Membranous urethra " \ ...... ,_..E.iacuL& tory orlLf tcesRelationship of Prostatic Hypertrophy, Hyperplasia, and Prostatic CancerHypertrophy means an increase in size of the prostate due to the increase in the size of theindividual cells. In contrast, hyperplasia means an increase in the size of the prostate due to anincrease in the number of its cells.Benign prostatic hypertrophy (enlargement of the prostate) is very common in elderly men. Itsexact etiology is not known, although there is some evidence to show that part of it is hormonallymandated. Benign prostatic hypertrophy increases with age as does prostatic cancer; and both requiretestosterone to grow and divide. In general, prostatic cancer originates in the periphery of theprostate where benign prostatic hypertrophy occurs. That is why it is possible for the physician topalpate these tumors via the rectum. A clinical diagnosis of benign prostatic hypertrophy may bemade when a man has symptoms of prostatic disease. Then a TUR is done, and only then may adiagnosis of cancer be made based on the increase in the number of cells, hyperplasia.Bulbourethral (Cowper's) GlandsThe Cowper's glands are located below the prostate on either side of the membranous urethra.They resemble peas in both size and shape. A duct about 2.5 cm long connects each of them withthe urethra. Cowper's glands, like the prostate, secrete an alkaline, mucous fluid which makes upabout 5 percent of the semen. These glands are also supplied with muscular tissue which aids inexpulsion of sperm during ejaculation.318