What does BPH stand for in medical terminology?

In medical terminology, BPH stands for Benign Prostate Hyperplasia. This condition refers to the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that commonly occurs as men age. The term "hyperplasia" signifies an increase in the number of cells, which leads to the expansion of the prostate.

While "hypertrophy" refers to an increase in the size of existing cells, hyperplasia is more appropriate in this context because it more accurately describes the proliferation of prostate cells in benign prostatic hyperplasia. This distinction is important in understanding the pathology of the condition, as BPH can cause urinary symptoms and other complications due to the pressure exerted on the urethra by the enlarged prostate.

Recognizing BPH as Benign Prostate Hyperplasia helps clarify its nature and informs both treatment options and patient management in clinical practice.