Calcifications in the prostate gland - what is it? Prostate calcification is a constantly progressing pathology, which is characterized by the presence of calculi in the prostate. The prostate is the gonad of the male reproductive system, the main function of which is the production of prostatic juice. It is part of the seminal fluid.
Under the influence of various harmful factors (exo- and endogenous in nature), salts are often deposited in the prostate gland, from which stones can later form. This process is characteristic of many organs in general, and the prostate is no exception. It consists of 3 lobes: symmetrical left and right and the isthmus between them. It has the shape of a chestnut. The structure of its parenchyma is glandular-tubular, there are ducts for secretion.
Nature of the problem
Calcifications are one of the types of calculi that form, often occur in the ducts or in the glandular tissue of the gland. For their appearance, certain conditions are necessary in the form of inflammation of the gland, stagnation of the secret, urine reflux, etc.
Calcinates are none other than crystals of inorganic origin. They are not the norm, but small crystals of calcium are found so often in modern man that it is not considered an anomaly if it does not cause concern. Their formation occurs due to inorganic salts of calcium, the formation process itself is called calcification.
Pathology is characteristic of men after 45 years and older: according to statistics, every 30th. After 60 years, 80% of the male population has stones, but they can vary greatly in structure.
Often there are multiple calcifications of the prostate gland, but there can be single ones. The function of the prostate with them is violated unambiguously. With total seeding, it ceases to work at all.
According to studies, in most cases, small multiple calcifications of the prostate are determined up to 2-5 mm in size. They do not cause any concern and do not totally spread. Detected by chance during the passage of ultrasound on other occasions.
Big stones are less common: their sizes do not exceed 2.5 cm. Symptoms with such calcifications already exist. The most frequent localization of formations is large ducts (macroscopic calculi), acini of both lobes.
The mechanism of the appearance of stones (prostatolithiasis)
Calcifications in the prostate gland - what is it and what is their development mechanism? Several scenarios of their appearance are expected:
- Stasis of prostate secretion. Its reasons will be discussed below. In stagnation, the composition of the prostatic secretion changes chemically and it thickens. At the same time, it decreases the content of citric acid, which could dissolve calcium salts, and increases the content of calcium phosphate, which is already insoluble in citric acid. The stone does not form immediately - first it is sand, then it is converted into small calcifications of the prostate gland. And then ideal conditions are created for the deposition of salts in the form of amyloid bodies. These are clots of the prostatic secretion of an oval shape, which will be calcified first. Normally, a healthy man does not have them.
- Chronic prostatitis is the second factor in changes in the prostate. As a result of the pathology - diffuse changes in the prostate gland with calcifications: cicatricial changes, adhesions in the form of connective tissue as a result of inflammation. Further, salt settles in these places and gradually calcines.
- Another hypothesis is the ingress of urine into the ducts of the prostate (intraprostatic reflux) in case of chronic inflammation, hyperplasia, trauma, etc. Normally this does not happen. As a response, the focus of infection is fenced off with stones. If treatment is not carried out, the pathology process increases and calcifications are obtained. Urine sediment in the form of calcium phosphates and oxalates is most often present and becomes the basis for the formation of stones.
There is no absolute criterion for the occurrence of calculi today. One patient may have several factors at once, but no stones; another has not a single factor and stones. Calculi often occur in those who are not at risk.
Etiology of the phenomenon
The exact etiology has not been established. Men are at risk:
- with chronic prostatitis;
- irregular sex life;
- urinary tract infections.
What are calcifications in the prostate gland, and what are their causes? This is all that contributes to prostatolithiasis:
- excess vitamin D;
- prostate tuberculosis;
- rheumatic diseases;
- varicose veins of the pelvis;
- alkaptonuria (a hereditary disease in which the loss of the homogentisinase enzyme occurs in the amino acid metabolism and the metabolism is interrupted by homogentisic acid);
- chronic pathology of the urinary tract;
- metabolic diseases (gout, for example).
Provocateurs:
- lack of regular ejaculation;
- physical inactivity;
- eating disorders;
- obesity;
- alcoholism and smoking;
- chronic constipation;
- taking certain drugs;
- manipulations of surgeons on the genitourinary organs during operations;
- damage during iatrogenic studies;
- prolonged catheterization of the bladder;
- hypothermia of the body.
What are calcifications
Calcifications in the prostate gland - what is it and what are they? They are systematized in structure and composition. They can include not only calcium, but also other minerals such as aluminum, sulfur, magnesium, phosphorus. Initially, the stones are not infected. The main components are calcium salts: phosphates, oxalates in combination with carbonate apatite.
Also, stones are systematized according to the mechanism of appearance and localization. This is important when choosing a treatment.
Stones are divided according to the mechanism of their formation - exogenous and endogenous. We have to talk about endogenous against the background of stagnation of the secretion of the prostate. The shape of such stones is oval-oblong, sizes up to 2-2.5 cm.
When urine is thrown, stones are called exogenous. They are localized for the most part in the terminal sections of the ducts and have a spiky shape. Their sizes are smaller than stagnant, only 4 mm in diameter.
According to the chemical composition of the stones are urate, oxalate, phosphates and calcifications.
By location - true and false. In the first case, they are localized in the prostate itself. In the second, they are formed in the kidneys or bladder and enter the urethra, as a result, the duct of the prostate is blocked.
Symptoms of calcification
Symptoms with small calcifications are absent. The first signs occur after a number of years, in the later stages of prostatolithiasis. But they do not have specific symptoms, in such cases, either.
Signs of prostate calcifications appear in the case of large sizes:
- typical pain in the abdomen, with a return to the lower back, sacrum and inguinal zone and arising from a load on the lower body;
- malfunctions in an erection in the form of lethargy or spontaneous painful erections;
- dyspareunia;
- pain during ejaculation;
- blood urine and semen;
- urination disorders;
- cramps and burning in the urethra;
- decreased libido.
The main symptoms of calcification in the prostate gland worsen the quality of life and become more pronounced. Decreased libido and potency. When an infection is attached, a special inflammation develops - calculous prostatitis.
Manifestations of infection of prostate calcifications are to strengthen the existing symptoms. With large sizes of single calcifications in the prostate, pain in the pelvic region becomes chronic.
Complaints common to inflammation are characteristic:
- weakness, chronic fatigue;
- temperature rise;
- decreased appetite;
- feeling of nausea;
- headache;
- arthralgia and myalgia.
As you can see, there are no pathognomonic symptoms, therefore examination is necessary.
Complications
Small formations, if they are treated and followed by a diet, usually do not require treatment. But stones of even medium size can lead to complications:
- infertility;
- impotence;
- prostate cancer.
The volume and quality of the produced secretions are reduced, the success of fertilization is deteriorating.
Stones of any size, even microcalcifications, create the prerequisites for infection and inflammation. Moreover, multiplying microbes become resistant to antibiotics.
Additional consequences include:
- microabscesses and sclerotic changes in the prostate;
- organ deformation and scarring;
- parenchyma necrosis;
- cyst formation;
- prostate adenoma.
It should also be recalled that calcifications are considered more dangerous because they are poorly degradable. They may also require complete removal of the prostate.
Diagnostics
At the first appointment after collecting an anamnesis and complaints, the urologist must palpate the gland through the anus. With calcifications, this is painful, because areas of compaction are formed, sometimes with crepitus. But they are possible with other pathologies, so they conduct a complete urological examination. Palpation of the prostate, of course, is the first stage of diagnosis.
Laboratory diagnostics
After taking a blood and urine test, the level of a particular prostate antigen is determined, urine is sown for tuberculosis, a Mantoux test is taken.
Analysis of prostate juice will give a complete picture of the condition of the gland, its reserve capabilities, inflammation, etc. An analysis of urine may show an increase in bacteria, white blood cells, proteinuria and hematuria.
Ultrasound scan
Ultrasound is considered the gold standard in the diagnosis of calcification. Conducting a transrectal examination will show hyperechoic inclusions. With concomitant inflammation of the prostate, it will be enlarged and there will be changes in its parenchyma.
The sizes of calcifications of the prostate gland are also well defined: small pebbles are most often only detected this way.
Large stones come to light:
- palpation through the peritoneum;
- in urine and blood tests;
- on the spermogram;
- on ultrasound;
- on radiography;
- on CT and MRI.
The last 2 types of examinations are not considered mandatory. They are prescribed only if a tumor of the prostate is suspected.
Treatment principles
The treatment of prostate calcifications depends on many aspects:
- the cause, stage and severity of manifestations;
- the presence of complications;
- contraindications to taking drugs;
- individual characteristics of the body.
Asymptomatic, not complicated, small calcifications are dispensed with without treatment. It is enough to follow a diet and change your lifestyle.
Conservative therapy
Treatment of calcifications in the prostate gland consists in dissolving the stones and creating obstacles for their further formation. Oxalates and phosphates respond better than others. Solid calcifications do not dissolve.
Removal of inflammation is carried out by antibacterial therapy:
- antibiotics
- non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs;
- uroseptics;
- vitamins;
- herbal remedies;
- enzymes;
- litholytic preparations;
- alpha-blockers (prescribed for problems with urination);
- peptide bioregulators regulate the activity of cells of only 1 organ or system.
With tuberculosis, specific treatment is prostate massage and vibration physiotherapy. Heating is strictly contraindicated, it provokes a shift of stones and worsens well-being.
Lithotripsy
Lithotripsy with a single calcified prostate gland is a non-invasive way to solve the problem. It consists in the fact that the iron is remotely affected by ultrasonic radiation, shock or magnetic wave. At the same time, the stone crumbles into small fragments in the form of sand and is excreted by urine. There may be several sessions of exposure.
Crushing stones in the prostate gland to small calcifications allows, thus, to destroy calculi by physical action and bring them out. Laser treatment of calcifications in the prostate results in 95% of cases and is applicable for all types of calculi. Rehabilitation takes only a week.
But even with good results, some doctors are against crushing. Why? They argue that part of the fragmented calculi always remains in the organ, overgrows with new salts and creates fairly large new stones, a relapse of calcification occurs.
What medications can relieve inflammation
In the presence of inflammation, treatment of calcifications in the prostate gland is carried out with antibiotics with a wide spectrum of action (Ciprofloxacin and Levofloxacin, Norfloxacin, etc.). Pain and swelling are relieved with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Diclofenac and Naloxone). Often, the doctor may prescribe "Cyston" - a plant litholytic that helps dissolve urates and with reflux calcifications in the prostate. For spasms, “No-Shpu” and “Baralgin” are used.
Physiotherapy
How to get rid of calcifications of the prostate gland using physiotherapy? Most often, electrical stimulation (microcurrents) is used; magnetotherapy and neurostimulation. A magnetic field improves trophic tissue and normalizes blood flow. Neurostimulation improves the innervation of the gland due to pulsed currents.
Surgical methods
Conservative methods with calcifications are problematic due to their inefficiency. Abdominal surgery today continues to be considered the most effective way to remove calcifications from the prostate.
Carrying out such an intervention allows you to completely remove all the stones. This eliminates the possibility of relapse in the future. This includes laparoscopy and TUR of stones (transurethral resection of the prostate).
Non-surgical methods of removal are not effective enough - 40% of relapses.
Laparoscopic surgery is the most popular today. Injuries with it are minimal, the rehabilitation period is reduced. Due to 3 small incisions, an endoscope with a camera is introduced - equipment for extracting calculi, and the entire course of the operation is visible on the monitor.
TUR is performed by dissection of the urethra. This operation is radical, involves the removal of the affected part of the prostate with stones. Excision is performed in layers. The resectoscope is brought to the organ through the urethra.
Often used and prostatectomy - complete removal of the gland.
Folk remedies
Alternative therapy can only be an addition to the main treatment. Treatment of prostate calcifications with folk remedies is, of course, herbal medicine. It gives good results if you have patience. The downside of herbal medicine is always the duration of treatment, which takes years:
- Often, decoctions based on rose hips and parsley are considered to be applicable agents in the treatment of calcifications.
- Rosehip infusion - take 100 ml three times a day for 1.5 months. Prepared from the roots of the plant.
- A decoction of dried pea peel is a recipe for oriental medicine. Zhenmen husks brew 2 cups boiling water and keep on a steam bath for an hour. The dose is 100 ml 3 times a day. The stones are removed completely.
- Parsley leaves finely chopped, pour boiling water and insist in a thermos for 8 hours. Proportion - 1 tbsp. l per 500 ml of water. Take a quarter cup daily before meals.
- Fresh parsley juice is mixed in equal parts with honey and lemon and take 1 tsp. three times a day for 4 weeks.
- In equal proportions they mix dumplings, adonis and bedstraw. 4 tbsp. l mixes + 500 ml of boiling water for 4 hours. The resulting broth is taken in 50 ml daily.
- Freshly squeezed juices are also used. Suitable for these purposes are radish, currant berries, birch sap, nettle, rowan fruits.
- Horse chestnut shell. 1 stack of peel is poured with a stack of vodka and left in a dark place for 14 days. After straining, take 10 drops in the morning and evening. The course is 10 days.
- Madder is tinting. 1 tsp powdered root pour a glass of boiling water, insist 45 minutes. Take twice a day for 2 months.
Plants that prevent the deposition of salts: half a floor (Erva woolly), sage, horsetail, naked ostudnik. Regular drinking of parsley and radish juice, tea with mint, cinnamon and hawthorn is recommended and useful.
Before treating prostate calcifications with folk remedies, it is necessary to consult a doctor.
Special diet
More often, calcifications in the prostate form when abused:
- fatty and meat foods;
- alcohol
- strong tea and coffee.
It is necessary to ensure that there are more fish and seafood, cereals, nuts and seeds, greens in the diet.
Only radishes, sorrel and spinach are excluded. Of the other products, it is unacceptable to use rich soups, offal, smoked meats, marinades and spicy spices, chocolate and coffee.
Broths can be consumed only after the second cooking.Animal fats should be replaced with vegetable fats. Drinks include fresh juices (homemade), herbal teas and mineral water.
Prevention
Prevention implies the following measures:
- physical activity, daily walks;
- proper nutrition;
- Hiking
- avoidance of hypothermia;
- regular sex life.
It is advisable to completely abandon bad habits. Smoking and alcohol contribute to the development of a number of diseases that are irreversible.