Can prostate cysts turn into cancer?

Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
Updated on January 22, 2025
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Prostate cysts and prostate cancer are not causally related. The causes, clinical manifestations, and prognoses of these two diseases are completely different. Prostate cysts are benign and generally do not significantly affect the patient; most patients do not have any discomfort, so prostate cysts will not turn into prostate cancer. If a prostate cyst is diagnosed, regular follow-up ultrasound examinations to monitor the specific size and changes of the cyst are sufficient; there is no need to worry about the cyst transforming into cancer. If the cyst is large and presses against the urethra, causing urinary discomfort, local heat application or warm water sitz baths can be considered to alleviate the symptoms.

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Written by Wang Jian
Urology
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What does prostate cyst mean?

Prostate cysts occur due to congenital or acquired cystic changes in the prostate gland. Small prostate cysts usually do not exhibit any symptoms. However, if an infection or stones are present, it can lead to symptoms such as frequent urination, urinary urgency, strained urination, and a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. When the prostate cyst is large, it can compress the urethra or the neck of the bladder, obstructing urine flow, which may lead to frequent urination, urgency, difficulty in urinating, a thin urine stream, and even urinary retention. Additionally, it may compress the rectum, causing difficulty in defecation. If the prostate cyst is asymptomatic, no treatment is necessary. Surgical treatment may be considered for large or symptomatic prostate cysts, or treatment could be administered via transrectal prostate cyst puncture.

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Written by Wang Jian
Urology
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Is there a treatment method for prostate cysts?

Prostate cysts are a benign condition of the prostate, generally discovered during ultrasonic examinations of the urinary system. The treatment for prostate cysts primarily depends on the size of the cyst and whether it can cause related symptoms. If the prostate cyst is small and asymptomatic, it may not require treatment. However, if the cyst is large, it can compress the bladder, leading to urethral blockage, and cause symptoms like difficulty urinating, frequent urination, urgency, or even urinary retention, and can also compress the rectum causing difficulty in defecation. In such cases where these symptoms are present, surgical treatment is needed. There are two types of surgeries: one is the percutaneous treatment of the prostate cyst and the other is transurethral resection of the prostate.

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Written by Gao Tian
General Surgery
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Difference between prostate cyst and hyperplasia

The distinction between prostate cysts and hyperplasia lies in the fact that the former is a benign tumor and pathological, while the latter is physiological.With increasing age, particularly in elderly individuals, hyperplasia can occur. Therefore, it is essential first to determine the cause before treatment, such as undergoing an ultrasound, and in severe cases, a biopsy may be required.If the cyst is benign and either asymptomatic or small, periodic observation might be sufficient. However, for hyperplasia, conservative treatment such as oral medications is recommended initially. If the hyperplasia severely affects urination, surgical intervention may be necessary.

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Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
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Should a prostatic cyst be operated on?

Whether prostate cysts require surgical treatment mainly depends on the size of the cyst. If the cyst is small and the patient does not experience discomfort, there is no need for special treatment. However, if the cyst is large, compressing the urethra, or even causing urinary retention, it is advisable to undergo surgery as soon as possible to remove the cyst, relieve the pressure on the urethra, and restore smooth urination. However, most prostate cysts do not cause any discomfort and generally do not require special treatment. If there are symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, or incomplete urination, local physiotherapy can be performed, such as warm water sitz baths, or taking oral tamsulosin hydrochloride sustained release tablets to improve urinary discomfort.

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Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
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Can prostate cysts affect fertility?

Prostate cysts do not affect male fertility issues, as the major factor influencing male fertility is sperm quality. If you are concerned about fertility, it is advisable to visit the urology department of a hospital for a routine semen analysis to ensure there are no issues with sperm quality. As long as the sperm quality is fine, there is no need to worry about fertility. Most patients with prostate cysts do not experience any discomfort and do not require special treatment. However, some larger prostate cysts may compress the urethra, leading to symptoms such as frequent urination, urgency, incomplete urination, or complete blockage of the urethra causing urinary retention. In such cases, surgery to remove the cyst may be considered to restore normal urine flow.