Differential Diagnosis for Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms
Given the scenario of a man experiencing symptoms similar to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) despite having a "healthy" prostate, the following differential diagnoses are considered:
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): This is the most likely diagnosis due to the age of the patient and the commonality of BPH in older men, which can cause obstructive and irritative lower urinary tract symptoms. Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/prostate-problems/prostate-enlargement-benign-prostatic-hyperplasia
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Overactive Bladder: This condition can cause urinary frequency, urgency, and discomfort, similar to BPH. Source: American Urological Association - https://www.auanet.org/clinical-guidance/overactive-bladder
- Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): UTIs can cause irritative symptoms such as frequency, urgency, and discomfort. Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - https://www.cdc.gov/antibiotic-use/uti.html
- Prostatitis: Inflammation of the prostate can cause symptoms similar to BPH, including pain and urinary symptoms. Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/prostate-problems/prostatitis-inflammation-prostate
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Prostate Cancer: Although less common, prostate cancer can present with similar symptoms to BPH and must not be missed due to its potential severity. Source: American Cancer Society - https://www.cancer.org/cancer/prostate-cancer.html
- Bladder Cancer: This is another serious condition that can cause similar symptoms and should not be overlooked. Source: American Cancer Society - https://www.cancer.org/cancer/bladder-cancer.html
- Neurogenic Bladder: Conditions affecting the nervous system can cause urinary symptoms due to bladder dysfunction. Source: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke - https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Education/Fact-Sheets/Neurogenic-Bladder-Fact-Sheet
Rare Diagnoses
- Interstitial Cystitis: A chronic condition causing bladder pressure, bladder pain, and sometimes pelvic pain. Source: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases - https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/urologic-diseases/interstitial-cystitis
- Bladder Outlet Obstruction: Other causes of obstruction, such as bladder stones or urethral stricture, can mimic BPH symptoms. Source: American Urological Association - https://www.auanet.org/clinical-guidance/bladder-outlet-obstruction