Are prostate stones a cause for concern?

Prostate stones – What are they?

All of us are familiar with kidney stones, either knowing someone who’s had them or maybe have experienced them ourselves. But have you ever heard of prostate stones? Also known as prostatic calculi, these small brownish-gray stones, about the size of a poppy seed, can form in and around the prostate gland. A man may have only one calculus, or he could have hundreds of calculi.

About 80% of prostate stones are made of calcium phosphate and can resemble nodules. What seems like a nodule is actually a tiny formation of calcified minerals with the prostate stone being harmless. It is believed these stones are formed either by secretions from the prostate thickening or when pus and another debris fuse together during an infection. The incidence of men with prostate stones is relatively unknown but has been reported to vary widely anywhere from 7% to 70% of men with prostate stones.

Prostate stones – What are the symptoms?

Typically, prostate stones are more common in men who are middle-aged or older and especially in men with an enlarged prostate, prostate cancer, chronic prostatitis or chronic pelvic pain. They are usually symptomless and often not found during routine medical exams.  However, if the prostate stone is large enough to be protruding into the urethra, it can cause severe lower urinary tract symptoms such as urinary obstruction. If a man was to have symptoms, they may experience pain in the lower back, penis, or perineum (the area between the anus and the scrotum).  They may also have trouble urinating.

The prostate stones or prostatic calculi can become infected and, in turn, lead to urinary tract infections and prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland).

Prostate stones are often found during a rectal ultrasound (TRUS or transrectal ultrasound) done for other reasons. Sometimes they can be seen on a pelvic x-ray. The good news is that the calcium deposits that makeup prostate stones do not increase the risk of prostate cancer. However, their presence does not exclude the possibility of cancer. Any man with an elevated PSA, a prostate nodule felt during a rectal exam, or other abnormalities on a prostate ultrasound will determine the need for further evaluation and a possible biopsy.

Treatment options for prostate stones

Most men with prostate stones will not require any treatment, again due to lack of symptoms. Also, sometimes, prostate stones may pass on their own in a man’s urine. However, if they do become infected and are causing prostate or urinary tract problems, then they may require antibiotics. In more severe cases, they can be removed surgically. Prostatic calculi can be easily removed with a transurethral electro-resection loop or holmium laser if they cause difficulty in urination or chronic pain.

Any man, having urinary symptoms or pain in the lower pelvic region, needs to see his doctor right away for a thorough examination and diagnosis of what the problem may be.