From the Guidelines
The normal prostate gland in adult men typically measures 3-4 cm in width, 2-3 cm in height, and 4-5 cm in length, with an average volume ranging from 20 to 30 cubic centimeters (cc) or milliliters (mL) in men under 60 years old.
Key Points to Consider
- The prostate's size can be assessed through digital rectal examination, transrectal ultrasound, MRI, or CT imaging 1.
- These measurements are important clinically because prostate enlargement beyond these parameters may indicate benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or other conditions requiring medical attention.
- The prostate naturally grows throughout a man's life due to hormonal influences, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which stimulates prostate cell growth.
- Regular prostate examinations are recommended for men over 50, or earlier for those with risk factors, to monitor any changes in prostate size that might require intervention.
Factors Influencing Prostate Size
- Age: The prostate often enlarges with age, with volumes up to 40 cc still considered within normal limits for older men.
- Hormonal influences: Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) stimulates prostate cell growth.
- Family history and risk factors: Men with a family history of prostate cancer or other risk factors may require earlier and more frequent screenings.
Screening and Detection
- Digital rectal examination (DRE) and serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing are commonly used for early detection of prostate cancer 2, 3.
- The American Urological Association and the National Comprehensive Cancer Network provide guidelines for prostate cancer screening, including the use of PSA testing and DRE 2, 3.
From the Research
Prostate Volume Measurements
The normal measurements of the prostate gland can vary depending on age and other factors.
- The median prostate volume was found to be 19.7 mL in a study of 457 men in Japan 4.
- In a German study, the mean total prostate volume increased from 24 to 38 cc in men aged 50-80 years 5.
- A study in Ethiopia found that the prostate volume ranged from 7.1cc to 169cc with a mean and median volume of 42cc and 35cc, respectively, in men aged 40-90 years 6.
Age-Related Changes
Prostate volume tends to increase with age, but the rate of growth may decrease with increasing age.
- A study found that the average percentage increase of total prostate volume per year of follow-up was 2.2% 7.
- The volume of the prostate was found to progressively increase with age, with a peak volume seen in the seventh decade of life 6.
Prostate Volume Categories
Prostate volume can be categorized based on digital rectal examination findings.
- A study identified five groups based on digital rectal examination: flat, normal, slightly enlarged, moderately enlarged, and markedly enlarged, with corresponding prostate volumes of 16.4, 18.3, 27.0, 41.9, and 86.3 mL, respectively 4.