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Asian Journal of Andrology (2012) 14, 458-464; doi:10.1038/aja.2010.137; published online 6 February 2012
An overview of prostate diseases and their characteristics specific to Asian men
Shu-Jie Xia, Di Cui and Qi Jiang
Department of Urology, The First People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200080, China
Correspondence: Professor S J Xia, (xsjurologist@163.com)
Received 2 March 2011; Revised 27 April 2011; Accepted 21 September 2011
Advance online publication 6 February 2012.
| Abstract |
In this paper, we reviewed the features of common prostate diseases, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostate cancer (PCa) and chronic prostatitis (CP) that are specific to Asian men. Compared to the Westerners, Asians exhibit particular characteristics of prostate diseases. Through summarizing the epidemiology, symptomatology, diagnostics and therapeutics of these diseases, we find that Asians have a lower incidence of PCa than whites, but the incidences of BPH and CP are similar. Asian men with CP often suffer from fewer disease sites, but have a higher frequency of pain during urination rather than after sexual climax. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a widely used marker for the diagnosis of PCa in both Asian and Western countries. Although the PSA level may be lower in Asians, the threshold used is based on whites. After reviewing the treatments available for these diseases, we did not find a fundamental difference between Asians and whites. Furthermore, the selection for the most appropriate treatment based on the individual needs of patients remains a challenge to urologists in Asia. After considering the traits of prostate diseases that are specific to Asian men, we hope to pave the way for the development of specific diagnostic and therapeutic strategies targeted specifically to Asian men.
Keywords: Asians; benign prostatic hyperplasia; chronic prostatitis; prostate cancer |
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