IS THERE A RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN BENIGN PROSTATIC HYPERPLASIA AND PROSTATIC-CANCER

No definite relationship can be demonstrated between benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatic cancer on the basis of various anatomic and morphologic features. However, interesting recent observations suggest a link between BPH and prostate cancer. Clinically, the simultaneous presence of benign and malignant disease is observed quite often, and this coexistence is bound to increase with the age of patients. Possible intermediate forms between BPH and early cancer have been investigated. Two premalignant lesions have been identified: atypical adenomatous hyperplasia and prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia.