Prostate tests
Having your prostate tested is important for all
men. Both The American Urological Association and The
American Cancer Societyrecommend an annual PSA test
for all men over 50 and for those at high risk over
40.
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Prostate cancer can occur in any
man, but there are certain groups of men more
at risk than the population as a whole.
Younger African American men appear to have
twice the risk and fatalities of
Caucasians. Sadly, many are diagnosed
before they reach the age of 50.
Another risk group is men who have a family
history of prostate cancer, placing them
in the same group who may contract the disease
before the age of 50. |
The only method to determine whether you are at risk for
prostate cancer is diagnostic testing. The earlier
you are screened the higher your chances of survival.
Let’s explore some of the diagnostic options.
- Bladder Ultrasound - This is a simple
procedure that can be conducted right in the doctors’
office. It is non-invasive and determines if there is
urine left in the bladder after urination. If a large
amount of urine remains, it could be an indicator of
enlarged prostate that is not allowing the bladder to be
completely emptied.
- Computed Axial Tomography (CAT) - This
is another test that could identify cancer in remote areas
of the body. Without probable cause, like the
Radionuclide Bone Scan above, it is probably unnecessary
just as the MRI.
- Cystoscopy - This test allows the
physician to visually examine the bladder and
prostate. This is done by inserting an instrument
through the urethra.
- Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) - Testing
begins with a digital rectal exam (DRE). This
examination has been the benchmark for discovering cancer
as well as BPH. Your doctor can determine the
condition and size of the prostate by inserting a gloved
finger into the rectum.
- Hyperplasia Intravenouspyelogram (IVP)
- This test is actually an X-ray. Dye is injected
into one of the major veins. While the dye is
circulating, pictures of vital organs are taken. This
test will record the progress of the dye through the
kidneys, bladder and ureter tubes (the tubes that drain the
kidneys). This test is more or less optional since
most men who have enlargement of the prostate usually have
no abnormalities of the ureter tubes or kidneys in a normal
urinalysis.
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) -
This test may be unnecessary, especially if the prostate
cancer is localized.
- Pelvic Lymph Node
Dissection - Considered to
be the final check to determine if cancer has spread, this
procedure can be completed through normal open surgery but
more often is conducted using a fiber optic probe that is
inserted through a small incision in your abdomen.
- Prostate Specific
Antigen (PSA)
- Prostate Ultrasound - This is a test
to estimate the size of the prostate by using state of the
art software that helps guide the physician. The
prostate ultrasound is also important if a biopsy is called
for which we will discuss later.
- Radionuclide Bone Scan - A test that
can be used if staging (see below) indicates that cancer
has spread into the lymph nodes. If the tumor has
spread to the lymph nodes, bone commonly follows.
However, if PSA levels are under 10ng and there is no
indication of bone pain, physicians find that the presence
is so unlikely that this procedure is skipped.
- Urine Test - A standard urine test can
also help to diagnose prostate problems by screening for
blood or infection. The chemical tests will also
check for liver, diabetes or kidney disease.
- Uroflow - This is a simple test that
entails the patient urinating into a container and
measuring how strong the stream of urine is.
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