Available Articles: |
 Back
to Main |
Prostate Cancer Diagnosis: When Will They Know
Prostate cancer diagnosis can be very difficult to diagnose. There is clear evidence that many men can develop the condition anytime after the age of 45. However the average age of prostate cancer diagnosis is not until the age 70, when the condition is much worse. In that regard, it is imperative that individuals who are at risk for developing prostate cancer have routine screenings for this disease.
The various tests used to screen for prostate cancer include a diverse range of tests.
One of the first tests performed when screening for prostate cancer is a digital rectal exam. In this test, the person is put into a position in which the anus is accessible and relaxed. The doctor then inserts a lubricated finger into the rectum to check for signs of problems.
Another screening performed is called the PSA blood test (Prostate specific antigen) in which a simple blood test looks for elevated numbers which are indicative of prostate cancer.
Once the doctor is satisfied there is the possibility of prostate cancer, or something may be wrong, further tests and examinations are ordered.
These tests include
* prostate biopsy,
* cystoscopy,
* transrectual
* ultrasonogphy and more.
In a cystoscopy, a thin camera is inserted into the penis and will show the urinary track from the inside of the bladder. Transrectual ultrasonograhy is used to create a picture of the prostate by using sound waves emitted from a probe inserted into the rectum.
In the case of a biopsy which is usually a last resort in the diagnosis of prostate cancer, the procedure is much more invasive but is a solid indication of the cancer.
A biopsy gun is used to access the prostate from the rectum and inserts a total of six needles into the prostate from several angles. The tissue that is removed is carefully examined to determine if cancer cells are present.
Often, there is controversy over the need for advanced types of screening for prostate cancer. In many individuals that have pre cancerous cells or those that have small amounts of them, there is little risk of the cells developing and spreading.
In these cases, it is controversial whether the tests are needed and if the risks of the tests are worse than the outcome would be if no tests were done. A prostate cancer diagnosis is necessary and important though, in individuals at a higher risk.
|
|
|
