Tony did not provide such important details as age, urinary status,
general health, but I'll do what I can as a layman.

It could be:

1. Perfectly normal -- for Tony. They come in all sizes; like, er, other
parts.

2. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BHP). It jest growed.

3. An infection.

4. Irritation.

Fifth, and least likely, cancer.

Tony should consult a urologist for further testing to set his mind as
ease. Such tests could be, initially, prostate specific antigen (PSA) and
digital rectal examination (DRE). Neither test can diagnose cancer,
but can give one a "heads-up" that further testing is prudent.

If testing does lead to the diagnosis we here know all too well, Tony
should come back with full details of the test results. We'll try to help.

Regards,

Steve J

My enlarged prostate was found during a colonoscopy, be grateful that
you may have got a timely warning of soemthing not right.

Next steps DRE, PSA bloodtest and, if indicated, a biopsy. hth.

Dave
Dec 03 Age 51, PSA 10.8
Jan 04 Dx PCa T2a Gleason 5
Mar 04 RRP, post op path good, all contained
May 04 cystoscopy & BNI now pi**ing like racehorse
PSA June < 0.01
PSA Nov < 0.01
PSA Feb < 0.01

tony didn't give an age.  that would help a lot.

~ curtis

knowledge is power - growing old is mandatory - growing wise is optional    
"Many more men die with prostate cancer than of it. Growing old is
invariably fatal. Prostate cancer is only sometimes so."
http://community.webtv.net/PALMER_ENT/doc

Do some research and find a good urologist that specializes in men's
problems in your area and get a check-up.

That's all to do now, really. Just make sure you follow-up with a
specialist.  Until you know more, it's all conjecture.

Larry

Most general practitioners would be able to tell you whther or not this
is normal for someone your age.  Men's prostates do often enlarge as
they age.

Your doctor will also check the prostate for irregularities.  If you are
over 50, you should probably start PSA testing.

If your doctor thinks it appropriate, you may be referred to a
urologist.   You could also start off with a  urologist initially if you
want a more expert opinion than a GP could give you.

You're jumping to this "newbie" conclusion far too quickly.  We are very
matter-of-fact about who we let into this club and your qualification are,
at best, suspect.

You can be born with an enlarged prostate.
If you are older (you don't give your name), you can expect to have an
enlarged prostate.
If you have an enlarged prostate due to some medical reason, there is no
reason to assume it's prostate cancer.

First step, if you're over 35 or 40 and are worried, have your PSA tested.
Last time I heard, it's about $60 around here if your insurance doesn't
cover it.

Until you know what it is, if anything, we'll let you in on a visitor's
pass.

Thanks everyone, I panicked and didn't lurk or read the general rules of
the group.

Age    44

No urinary problems except "shy bladder" which is nothing new to me.

General physical health is good except constant pain and fatigue from
fibromyalgia, and arthritis is sometimes making walking difficult.

Don't ask about the mental health!

I'll start with a GP for a checkup, alerting him to the prostate
comment.  I'm sure he will send me to a urologist, but it's been at
least 5 years since I had a routine physical anyway so I guess I'm due.

Thanks again,
Tony

<snip, info re size of prostate>

I would hazard a guess that you should be seeing a Urologist about
your Prostate, rather than an Orthopaedic Surgeon unless, you had a
broken "Boner" :)

PS: I also suffer from information overflow (as well as Urinal. [see
my next reply post.])

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