A 75-year-old patient with a history of BPH is examined. What is an expected finding during the prostatic exam?

In the context of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the expected finding during a prostatic exam is that the prostate feels rubbery and uniformly enlarged. BPH is characterized by the proliferation of prostatic tissues, leading to an increase in the size of the prostate. This enlargement is typically non-cancerous and results in a smooth and elastic feel when palpated during a digital rectal examination.

The rubbery consistency indicates that the prostate is firm but not hard, which distinguishes BPH from conditions like prostate cancer, where the prostate may feel hard and indurated. A uniformly enlarged prostate suggests that the condition is generalized rather than localized, which would be the case if there were tender nodules or irregularities indicating malignancy or prostatitis.

Additionally, a boggy and warm prostate suggests inflammation, typically seen in acute prostatitis rather than in BPH, which is a more chronic condition. The presence of tender nodules would raise suspicion for prostate cancer or other pathologies rather than representing a typical finding of BPH. Thus, the rubbery texture and uniform enlargement are consistent with the diagnosis of BPH.