How is Prostate Cancer Diagnosed?

admin — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 07:13:41 +0000

Unfortunately, most men do not experience noticeable symptoms in the early stages of prostate cancer. There are a few symptoms which are associated with prostate cancer, which mainly include urinary problems.

1 in 6 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in the United States

PSA Test

Man Getting MRI

The PSA Test is a prostate-specific antigen and is considered to be one of the most effective ways to diagnosis prostate cancer. It’s a blood test, which screens and measures a protein made by the prostate that normally is present in the blood. Men who have prostate cancer will see that the amount of protein within their blood will increase.

A PSA count of 0 to 4 ng/ml would be considered below normal. A PSA count of 4 to 10 ng/ml is considered to be slightly elevated. A PSA count of 10 to 20 ng/ml is moderately elevated and a PSA count that is above 20 ng/ml is highly elevated.

Only one abnormal PSA Test doesn’t necessarily mean that someone has prostate cancer.

Digital Rectal Exam

With a digital rectal exam (DRE), the doctor will insert a gloved, lubricated finger into the man’s rectum to feel the prostate. The doctor is feeling around for roughness and irregular unevenness to the tissue. If an enlarged prostate feels smooth, it likely is not cancerous.

MRI Scan

An MRI Scan is sometimes used to diagnose prostate cancer. They can be used to create a clear picture of the prostate gland.

Ultrasound

There is a type of ultrasound called transrectal ultrasonography, which can be used to examine the prostate.

CT Scan

A CT Scan can help show areas of dense tissue, like tumors.

Biopsy

A biopsy is a medical procedure where a sample of the suspected cancerous tumor. This is a very accurate method of deciphering whether or not someone has prostate cancer.

There are various stages of prostate cancer. An Oncologist, who is a physician specializing in the treatment of cancer, utilize various tests to determine which stage of cancer the patient is in. They look at the stage of development as well as the arrangement of cancer cells. The patient’s doctor comes up with an appropriate treatment plan based on which stage of cancer the patient is in.

Testosterone, age, heredity and diet are often the main contributing factors to prostate cancer. Some studies have found that a diet high in animal fat may be a lead contributor to prostate cancer.

Prostate Health » PSA Test

How is Prostate Cancer Diagnosed?

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