Relationship between prostate-specific antigen and prostate volume in benign enlargement of the prostate: a descriptive cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTION: Benign enlargement of the prostate (BEP) is a common urological condition among aging males, often leading to lower urinary tract symptoms and an increase in serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. The clinical challenge lies in distinguishing benign prostatic hyperplasia from prostate cancer, as both conditions elevate PSA levels. This study aims to investigate the correlation between prostate volume and PSA levels in BEP patients to refine diagnostic accuracy and improve management strategies. METHODS: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 100 patients diagnosed with BEP. Prostate volume was measured using transabdominal ultrasound, and serum PSA levels were recorded. Statistical analysis was performed to assess the correlation between prostate volume and PSA levels, controlling for confounders such as age and comorbidities. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 71.92 ± 9.6 years, and the mean PSA level was 2.96 ± 2.36 ng/mL. The study population had a mean prostate volume of 56.19 ± 19.2 cc. The majority of patients presented with a combination of symptoms (27%), followed by poor urine stream (22%), incomplete voiding (19%), hesitancy (16%), nocturia (11%), and urinary incontinence (5%). Nearly half of the study population (49%) presented with grade 2 prostate enlargement. There was a positive correlation between prostate volume and PSA levels (rho = 0.729). The correlation between age and PSA levels was weakly positive (rho = 0.229), as was the correlation between age and prostate volume (rho = 0.26). CONCLUSION: There was a positive correlation between prostate volume and PSA levels (rho = 0.729). The correlation between patient age and PSA levels was weakly positive (rho = 0.229).