How is a prostatic cyst treated?

Written by Wang Jian
Urology
Updated on September 16, 2024
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Prostate cysts are cystic changes occurring in the prostate gland, usually detected through ultrasonic examination of the urinary system. Most prostate cysts are small and asymptomatic, thus requiring no treatment. Larger cysts are less common and may compress the urethra, causing difficulty urinating, frequent urination, urgency, strained urination, thinning of the urine stream, and even acute urinary retention. For symptomatic prostate cysts, treatment options include ultrasound-guided transrectal or perineal prostate cyst aspiration followed by the injection of a sclerosing agent. Another surgical option is transurethral resection of the prostate cyst, which is a minimally invasive surgery.

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Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
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Does a prostatic cyst require surgery?

Whether patients with prostate cysts need surgical treatment mainly depends on the specific size of the cyst and whether it causes discomfort symptoms. If the cyst is relatively small and the patient does not have any discomfort symptoms, no special treatment is necessary. However, if the cyst is relatively large, causing discomfort during urination, severely leading to difficulty in urination, or even urinary retention, surgical treatment can be considered. Generally, cyst puncture and aspiration might be performed first to relieve the pressure of the cyst on the urethra and improve symptoms. If the effects of puncture and aspiration are not satisfactory, surgical removal of the cyst may be considered.

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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 Jian
Urology
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Is there a problem with a prostatic cyst?

Smaller prostate cysts generally do not affect the body or urine excretion, and treatment may not be necessary in such cases. However, if a prostate cyst becomes infected, develops stones, or is large enough to compress the urethra or bladder neck, it can obstruct urine flow, commonly causing difficulty urinating or even urinary retention. Compression of the rectum can also lead to difficulties in both urination and defecation. Therefore, small prostate cysts may not require intervention, but larger ones with compressive symptoms need surgical treatment. In cases of infection, symptomatic treatment is sufficient. The diagnosis of prostate cysts is usually confirmed through ultrasound examination of the urinary system. For larger cysts, typical surgical options include ultrasound-guided puncture or transurethral resection of the prostate cyst.

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Written by Wang Shuai
Urology
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Can prostate cysts turn into cancer?

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 Shuai
Urology
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Is a 6mm prostate cyst considered large?

A prostate cyst with a diameter of 6mm is generally not serious, and most patients do not experience discomfort. For such cases, there is no need for special treatment; it is only necessary to recheck the ultrasonography every six months to a year to monitor any changes in the size of the cyst. If the cyst continues to grow and presses on the urethra, causing symptoms such as frequent urination, incomplete bladder emptying, or urgency, warm water sitz baths or local physiotherapy can be used for improvement. If the cyst is large enough to block the urethra, causing urinary retention or severe difficulties in urination, it is recommended to undergo surgery as soon as possible to remove the cyst and restore urinary flow.