Here’s a clear comparison table showing the differences between prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and prostatitis — since they can cause similar urinary symptoms but have very different causes and treatments:
🧾 Comparison: Prostate Cancer vs. BPH vs. Prostatitis
| Feature / Symptom | Prostate Cancer | Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) | Prostatitis |
|---|---|---|---|
| Definition | Malignant tumor of prostate cells (can spread) | Non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate | Inflammation or infection of the prostate |
| Typical Age | Usually >50 years | Usually >50 years | Often 30–50 years |
| Onset | Slow and gradual | Gradual | Sudden or acute |
| Urinary Frequency | Common (especially at night) | Very common | Common |
| Urgency (need to urinate quickly) | Sometimes | Common | Common |
| Difficulty starting urination | Common | Common | Sometimes |
| Weak urine stream / dribbling | Common | Common | Possible |
| Pain or burning when urinating | Rare | Rare | Common (often burning pain) |
| Blood in urine or semen | Possible | Rare | Possible |
| Pain in pelvis, lower back, or hips | Possible (especially if cancer spreads) | Rare | Common |
| Fever / chills | Rare | No | Common (especially with bacterial infection) |
| Ejaculation pain | Sometimes | No | Common |
| Erectile dysfunction | Possible (especially in advanced stages) | Possible (mechanical or nerve-related) | Possible (pain-related) |
| PSA levels | Often elevated | Mildly elevated | Can be elevated due to inflammation |
| Progression | Can be life-threatening if untreated | Usually benign, may affect quality of life | Often resolves with treatment |
| Treatment | Surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, surveillance | Medication (α-blockers, 5-ARI), surgery if severe | Antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, pain relief |
💡 Quick Summary
Prostate cancer: Usually painless at first; may show blood in urine/semen or bone pain in later stages.
BPH: Common in older men; causes urinary obstruction symptoms but not cancer.
Prostatitis: Often in younger or middle-aged men; causes pain, fever, and burning urination.