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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How is a prostatic cyst treated?

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 Jian
Urology
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Does prostate cyst affect sexual life?

Prostate cysts do not affect sexual life. If the prostate cyst is relatively small, it has no impact on the body and may not require treatment, as it shows no symptoms. However, if the cyst is large, it may compress the urethra, resulting in difficulty urinating, frequent urination, urgency, hesitancy, incomplete bladder emptying, and even acute urinary retention. Sometimes, a large prostate cyst may also compress the rectum, causing difficulty in defecation. If the cyst is large and causes a series of compressive symptoms, surgical treatment may be considered. The surgery generally involves a transurethral resection of the prostate cyst, which is a minimally invasive surgery and also has no impact on the body.

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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 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 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.