title: [Benign prostatic hyperplasia: a highly prevalent disease in the elderly].
abstract: The present review aims to provide an overview of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which has a remarkably high prevalence. The various theories of the aetiology of the disease are discussed, with special emphasis on those that concern the influence of growth factors. Questions related to the physiopathology of BPH are briefly summarized, since many symptoms apparently related to the disease may be caused by ageing or by interacting factors other than prostatism. The most common clinical manifestations, with symptoms divided into irritative and obstructive, as well as the currently available diagnostic procedures, are described. Finally, the therapeutic options are discussed, with special reference to KTP and Holmiun laser, which will drastically change treatment in the future.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Urología, Hospital de La Princesa, Madrid, España.
authors.forename: Manuel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fernández Arjona
authors.forename: Ignacio
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Pereira Sanz
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011470:Prostatic Hyperplasia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy