benign prostatic hyperplasia
Synonyms: benign prostatic hypertrophy, benign enlargement of the prostate (BEP)
Definition:  (hye-per-PLAY-zha, hye-PUR·truh·fee) A benign (noncancerous) condition in which an overgrowth of prostate tissue pushes against the urethra (which passes through the prostate) and the bladder, blocking the release of urine.
With hyperplasia, there is an abnormal increase in the number of the prostate cells. With hypertrophy, it is an increase in the size of the cells.
In both BPHs, there may be an above normal PSA reading.
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