Inflammation and benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Prostatitis, a histologic diagnosis, has evolved over the years to describe a clinical syndrome that was believed to be associated with prostatic inflammation. Similarly, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), another histologic diagnosis, has evolved to describe a clinical syndrome believed to be associated with prostatic enlargement. Recent explorations of the interrelationships between these prostate-associated histologic and clinical conditions have generated much interest and excitement. This article describes these relationships and their impact on the management of, in particular, BPH.