FREQUENCY OF INCIDENTAL PROSTATE CANCER IN PATIENTS WITH CLINICALLY BENIGN ENLARGED PROSTATE GLAND

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of incidental prostate cancer (IPC) in patients with clinically benign enlarged prostate gland and to assess its association with baseline characteristics.

Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Department of Urology, Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (LUMHS), Jamshoro, from March to August, 2025.

Methodology: In all, 71 cases with a diagnosis of clinically benign prostatic hyperplasia, PSA < 4 ng/ml and post-void residual urine >100 ml in age group of 45–80 years were selected by consecutive non-probability sampling technique. Each patient had been operated by TURP (Transurethral Resection of Prostate). Incidental prostate cancer was diagnosed if carcinoma was found on histopathology without any clinical suspicion of malignancy prior to surgery. SPSS software version 26 was used for analysis and significance of results was decided at p ≤ 0.05 using Chi square test.

Results: The mean age of patients was 61.41 ± 10.54 years and mean PSA level was 2.47 ± 0.75 ng/ml. Majority of patients were from urban areas (54.9%) and belonged to the middle socioeconomic group (46.5%). Incidental prostate cancer was detected in 8 patients (11.3%), while 63 (88.7%) had benign histology. No statistically significant association was observed between IPC and age (p=0.958), PSA level (p=0.542), residential status (p=0.527), or socioeconomic status (p=0.054).

Conclusion: Incidental prostate cancer was found in 11.3% of patients with clinically benign enlarged prostate glands.