Category: BPH

Can BPH Turn Into Cancer?

Posted on by Helen

It’s one of the most common questions men ask when they’re told they have an enlarged prostate:

“Can BPH turn into prostate cancer?”

The short answer is no — but understanding the difference between the two conditions can ease a lot of worry and help you make informed decisions about your health.

BPH and Prostate Cancer: Different Conditions, Same Organ

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. It’s caused by normal hormonal changes that come with age and affects the part of the prostate surrounding the urethra — the channel that carries urine out of the body. As the gland grows, it can press on the urethra and cause symptoms such as:

  • A weak or interrupted urine stream
  • Frequent or urgent need to urinate
  • Getting up several times at night to urinate (nocturia)
  • Difficulty starting urination

Prostate cancer, on the other hand, is made up of normal prostate cells that, for some reason, begin to grow and divide uncontrollably. These cells look different from healthy ones and form a tumour.

Usually, prostate cancer starts at the outer edge of the prostate and grows inward, whereas BPH begins in the central area around the urinary passage and grows outward. Depending on the size and location of the cancer, there may be no symptoms at all (sometimes it’s detected only because of a high PSA) – or symptoms can mimic those of BPH.

If not detected early, prostate cancer can spread locally, just outside the prostate, or further away to the lymph nodes, bones, liver, or other areas (a process called metastasis).

Can One Lead to the Other?

Although BPH and prostate cancer can occur at the same time, one does not cause the other. Having BPH does not increase your risk of developing prostate cancer. However, because both conditions affect the same organ and may cause overlapping urinary symptoms, it’s important to distinguish between them through proper testing.

Why Testing Matters

Even though BPH is benign, similar symptoms – such as frequent urination or difficulty emptying the bladder – can also appear with prostate cancer. That’s why screening is essential.

Your urologist may recommend:

  • A PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) blood test
  • A digital rectal exam (DRE)
  • Imaging or, in some cases, a prostate biopsy

These tools help identify whether your symptoms are caused by BPH, prostate cancer, or — in some cases — both conditions occurring together.

Note: having BPH does not cause cancer; but because both are common in aging men, they can sometimes be present simultaneously.

Managing BPH

If your tests confirm BPH, several minimally invasive treatments are available — including Rezūm, iTind, and Optilume. Each works differently to relieve urinary symptoms and improve quality of life without major surgery. The choice of treatment depends on several factors, which your urologist will discuss with you in detail to ensure the best fit for your needs and goals.

The Bottom Line

BPH and prostate cancer are two separate conditions. BPH does not turn into cancer, but the symptoms can be similar — so evaluation by a urologist is the only way to know for sure.

If you have questions about your test results, our specialists at University Urology Associates will review your findings, explain your options, and guide you toward relief with clarity and confidence.

Book a consultation or complete our 4-question BPH quiz to find out whether you may benefit from our minimally invasive treatments.

UUA logo
Location

123 Edward Street, Suite 1401
Toronto, Ontario M5G 1E2 Canada

Fax: +1 (416) 979-9002

University Urology Associates (UUA) provides advanced, minimally invasive treatment options for prostate cancer, BPH, and other urologic conditions. We offer specialized procedures like NanoKnife (IRE) and focal therapies designed to treat prostate cancer effectively while helping preserve quality of life. Our team of Toronto-based urologists includes University of Toronto-trained surgeons who continue to lead in hospital-based care and teaching. We treat patients from across the GTA, Canada, and beyond.

The reviews and testimonials shared on this website reflect individual patient experiences. Results may vary, and no specific outcome is guaranteed. These stories are meant to offer insight, not replace professional medical advice. To explore your options, we invite you to book a consultation with one of our urologists.

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Alternatives to BPH Medications: Which Minimally Invasive Option Is Right for You?

Posted on by UUA Urology

A closer look at Rezūm, iTind, and Optilume: three minimally invasive options for enlarged prostate

Most of our BPH patients have already been on medication for some time. Many are getting tired of the idea that this will be a lifelong necessity. Others are frustrated by side effects like dizziness, fatigue, loss of libido, or sexual dysfunction. And for some men, the medication simply never worked to alleviate their symptoms.

The good news is that medications aren’t the only option. At University Urology Associates, we offer three minimally invasive treatments designed to directly address the obstruction caused by an enlarged prostate: Rezūm, iTind, and Optilume.

This article takes a closer look at how each works, what recovery looks like, and which men may benefit most.

Rezum (Water Vapor Therapy)

Rezūm uses the natural energy stored in steam to shrink excess prostate tissue. During the procedure, we pass a cystoscope — a thin, gun-like instrument — through the urethra to the level of the prostate. At short intervals, the device delivers small bursts of water vapour directly into the obstructing tissue.

The vapour quickly disperses within the prostate and causes the treated cells to break down. Over the following weeks, the body naturally reabsorbs this tissue, opening the urinary channel and improving flow.

Procedure

Performed under local anesthesia at our Out-of-Hospital Premises (OHP) operating room, certified and licensed by the College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Recovery

A catheter is typically required for several days. Symptom improvement builds gradually over several weeks.

Best For

Men with moderate prostate enlargement who want a treatment that directly reduces tissue without surgery.

iTind (Temporary Implant)

The iTind procedure relies on a small, self-expanding nitinol device that is temporarily placed inside the prostate. Inserted using a cystoscope, the iTind sits in place for 5–7 days. During this time, its three struts gently expand and reshape the opening of the urethra by applying pressure in specific areas.

Once the device is removed under local anaesthesia, the urethra remains wider, improving urine flow without permanently removing or destroying tissue. Because of its tissue-sparing approach, iTind is also associated with a low risk of sexual side effects.

Procedure

Both insertion and removal are done at our certified OHP facility.

Recovery

Minimal downtime, no permanent implant. Improvements usually begin within weeks.

Best For

Men who want a reversible option, often younger patients or those particularly concerned about sexual side effects.

Optilume (Drug-Coated Balloon)

Optilume combines balloon dilation with a drug coating to restore urine flow and reduce the chance of re-narrowing. A small balloon catheter is guided through the urethra to the area of blockage. Once in place, the balloon is inflated, mechanically widening the channel. At the same time, it delivers paclitaxel, a medication that prevents scar tissue from reforming and keeps the urethra open longer.

The treatment is completed in a single session and does not leave any implant behind. Many men notice improved flow within weeks, with durable results over time.

Procedure

A single treatment, performed under local anesthesia in our certified OHP operating room.

Recovery

Most men return to normal activity quickly. A catheter may be needed for a short time.

Best For

Men with BPH, strictures or recurrent blockage who want durable relief and less chance of re-narrowing.

Comparing the Options at a Glance

Treatment

How It Works

Time to Symptom Relief

Catheter?

Best For

Rezūm

Water vapour reduces excess tissue

Gradual, over weeks

Yes, several days

Moderate prostate enlargement

iTind

Temporary implant reshapes urethra

Weeks

No (device removed after 5-7 days)

Men seeking reversible, tissue-sparing option

Optilume

Balloon + medication prevents re-narrowing

Weeks

Short duration

Men with enlarged prostate, strictures, or recurrent blockage

Which Option Is Right for You?

The choice between Rezūm, iTind, and Optilume depends on several factors: prostate size, anatomy, personal preferences, and lifestyle priorities. At UUA, our role is to carefully evaluate each patient and recommend the treatment most likely to provide lasting symptom relief with the least disruption to daily life.

If you’re ready to move beyond medications and explore a minimally invasive solution for enlarged prostate, we encourage you to book a consultation with University Urology Associates. Together, we’ll determine which treatment option best fits your needs.

Take our Lifestyle Priority Quiz to see if it makes sense for you to pursue minimally invasive treatments for your enlarged prostate.

Posted in BPH

What We Treat at University Urology Associates

Posted on by UUA Urology

At University Urology Associates (UUA), we provide focused, evidence-based care for men’s prostate health, with particular expertise in the diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment of localized prostate cancer and BPH, and transperineal prostate biopsies.

We are a specialist clinic — not a general urology practice. That means we focus on a defined set of conditions where we can offer deep expertise and access to advanced diagnostic tools and minimally invasive treatments, including Health Canada- and FDA-approved technologies not widely available in Canada.

Our Areas of Focus

BPH (Enlarged Prostate) — Minimally Invasive Surgical Therapies (MISTs)

For men who have been evaluated by a physician and diagnosed (or strongly suspected) with BPH, we assess eligibility for office-based treatments designed to improve urinary symptoms without major surgery. Options include minimally invasive procedures such as Rezūm, iTind, and Optilume (when appropriate).

Prostate Cancer Diagnostics

When further investigation is needed after prior assessment (e.g., elevated or rising PSA, concerning imaging), we perform transperineal prostate biopsies, including MRI fusion-guided and systematic TRUS-guided approaches. The goal is accurate, targeted sampling to clarify the diagnosis and guide next steps.

Prostate Cancer Evaluation & Second Opinion

When further investigation is needed after prior assessment (e.g., elevated/rising PSA or concerning imaging), we perform transperineal prostate biopsies — including MRI-fusion–guided and systematic TRUS-guided approaches — to provide accurate, targeted sampling and guide next steps.

Prostate Cancer — Minimally Invasive Treatments

For eligible patients with localized prostate cancer, we offer focal, minimally invasive treatments including HIFU (High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound) and IRE (NanoKnife™). Suitability depends on clinical criteria, imaging, and biopsy findings.

Urethral Strictures — Minimally Invasive Treatment

We manage anterior urethral strictures with endoscopic, minimally invasive techniques, including drug-coated balloon dilation (e.g., Optilume) where indicated. Treatment selection is individualized to stricture characteristics and prior therapy.

Cosmetic (Adult) Circumcision

Outpatient adult circumcision performed in a clinical setting with local anesthesia, focusing on function, comfort, and cosmetic outcome.

Vasectomy

Outpatient vasectomy under local anesthesia for permanent contraception, with a straightforward, clinic-based recovery.

Staying Focused on What We Do Best

We concentrate exclusively on:

  • Prostate health
  • PSA evaluation and prostate biopsies
  • Minimally invasive treatments for localized prostate cancer
  • Minor surgical procedures such as vasectomy and adult circumcision
  • Minimally invasive treatment of anterior urethral strictures

We do not offer general urology services or treatments outside of this defined area of care. If your concern falls outside our scope, we recommend speaking with your family doctor or seeking care through a general urologist.

How to Get Started

UUA is appointment-based (no walk-ins). To begin, please complete our secure pre-screening form so we can determine fit and whether a consultation can be offered.

Start Pre-Screening Now

BPH 101: Symptoms Men Shouldn’t Ignore

Posted on by UUA Urology

In Toronto, many men over 50 face a common but often overlooked health concern: BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia. That’s the medical term for an enlarged prostate, and it affects nearly half of men in this age group.

While BPH isn’t cancer and doesn’t increase your risk of developing prostate cancer, it can cause disruptive symptoms that impact your daily life, your sleep, and even your long-term bladder health. The good news? It’s manageable — especially if caught early, and access to advanced care in Toronto is faster than many realize.

Let’s break down what BPH is, the signs to watch for, and when to seek care.

What Is BPH?

The prostate is a small gland that surrounds the urethra, the tube that carries urine out of the body. As the prostate grows (which it often does with age), it can press on the urethra and slow or block urine flow.

This can cause a variety of symptoms — some mild, others more frustrating or even alarming.

Common BPH Symptoms

Many men ignore early signs of BPH, thinking they’re just “part of getting older”. But left untreated, BPH can lead to complications like urinary tract infections, bladder damage, or even kidney issues in rare cases.

Here are the most common lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS):

  • Frequent urination, especially at night (nocturia)
  • Sudden, strong urges to pee
  • Weak or slow urine stream
  • Difficulty starting urination
  • Dribbling at the end of urination
  • Feeling like your bladder is never fully empty
  • Straining to urinate
  • Urinary retention (inability to pee at all)

If you’re experiencing any of these, it’s time to get it checked out — especially if it’s affecting your sleep, daily routine, or quality of life.

Is It Always BPH?

These symptoms don’t always point to BPH. They can also be caused by other conditions, including:

  • Urethral stricture
  • Bladder tumour
  • Infection
  • Bladder stone

When to See a Specialist

If you’re experiencing urinary changes, it’s important to confirm the cause before starting treatment. A previous BPH diagnosis from your family doctor or urologist is preferred, since these symptoms can sometimes be linked to other conditions.

At University Urology Associates in Toronto, we focus exclusively on advanced BPH care. Our team offers a full range of minimally invasive, outpatient procedures designed to fit your lifestyle and needs.

Important: Our clinic is not a walk-in. To begin, all patients must complete our secure pre-screening form so we can determine eligibility.

Start Here: Complete the Pre-Screening Form »

The Bottom Line

BPH is common — but that doesn’t mean you should just live with it. If you’ve noticed changes in your urination or sleep patterns, your first step is to see your family doctor or urologist. They can confirm whether your symptoms are truly caused by BPH and rule out other possible conditions.

If you already have a BPH diagnosis and want to explore options beyond medication or hospital-based surgery, University Urology Associates in Toronto can help. We offer advanced, minimally invasive treatments that aren’t available through the public system — with far shorter wait times.

Before booking, patients complete our secure pre-screening form. This helps us determine eligibility for treatment based on medical and administrative criteria.

Your prostate changes with age. The way you treat it should, too.

 

Posted in BPH