On digital rectal exam, what finding is most consistent with BPH?

On digital rectal exam, what finding is most consistent with BPH?

• A. Uniformly enlarged, firm, rubbery prostate
• B. Hard nodular prostate
• C. Small shrunken prostate
• D. Tender, inflamed prostate

Answer: (A)

Benign prostatic hyperplasia causes the prostate to enlarge in a smooth, symmetric way, and on digital rectal exam you typically feel an enlarged gland that is firm but elastic (rubbery) and non-tender. This texture and uniform enlargement fit BPH because the enlargement comes from hyperplasia of the transition zone, producing a smooth, continuous feel rather than a hard, irregular lump. A hard nodular prostate would raise concern for cancer, a small shrunken gland suggests atrophy or advanced disease, and a tender, inflamed prostate points to prostatitis. So the description of a uniformly enlarged, smooth, rubbery-feeling, non-tender prostate is most consistent with BPH.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia causes the prostate to enlarge in a smooth, symmetric way, and on digital rectal exam you typically feel an enlarged gland that is firm but elastic (rubbery) and non-tender. This texture and uniform enlargement fit BPH because the enlargement comes from hyperplasia of the transition zone, producing a smooth, continuous feel rather than a hard, irregular lump. A hard nodular prostate would raise concern for cancer, a small shrunken gland suggests atrophy or advanced disease, and a tender, inflamed prostate points to prostatitis. So the description of a uniformly enlarged, smooth, rubbery-feeling, non-tender prostate is most consistent with BPH.