Prostate neoplasm

Objectives: Emerging evidence indicates that prostatic inflammation may contribute to prostate growth either in terms of hyperplastic (benign prostatic hyperplasia [BPH]) or neoplastic (prostate cancer [PCa]) changes. We propose two questions: Does prostate inflammation represent a significant factor for the development and the progression of both BPH and PCa? Are data available now to sustain the identification of prostate inflammation as a risk factor for prostate diseases? Methods: We reviewed the recent international literature using a PubMed search to analyze new findings supporting a role for inflamma-tion in BPH and PCa growth and progression. Results: On histologic examinations from patients with BPH, inflam-matory aspects are present in approximately 40 % of cases. The men with inflammatory aspects inside the prostate have a significantly higher risk for BPH progression and acute urinary retention. Evidenc