Cancer of Prostate

There are 3 good reasons why men of 45 years of age and above should undergo a prostate test :

1. To be assured that their prostate is in health
2. To find any cancer cells before they develop
3. To get early treatment for any condition or conditions found to be present.
Seeing the doctor is the first step so that he can determine which test to use to diagnose prostate cancer.

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)
This is a blood test, and although its effectiveness is subject to controversy, its presence in high levels can be a sign of cancer. Its raised level may also be an indication of other prostate conditions that are not cancer. What is essential is for the doctor to rule out these other possibilities to isolate a case for cancer causing cells, and this may take a series of repeated tests.

Digital Rectal Examination
The doctor will use this to feel your prostate gland and check for abnormal signs in the gland such as lumps.

Rectal Ultrasound
This is a type of scan using an ultrasound microphone to see the status of the gland.

Biopsy.
In this prostate test a rectal ultrasound probe is inserted to get a sample of prostate tissue for lab testing under a microscope. This will be necessary if a lump or hardening is detected in your prostate. Also if  PSA levels continue to be elevated, a biopsy may be required.

Urine test (PCA3)
Prostate cells ordinarily produce the Prostate Cancer Gene3, a protein. When its levels are high this protein leaks into the urine and could call for a biopsy. This is a fairly new test which could be promising in cancer diagnosis once it is more developed.

In brief, this is the list of prostate tests that will be used to diagnose prostate cancer. A patient does not need to take all of them and the doctor can tell you which prostate test is right at each stage of your condition. Early detection is the key to successful prevention and or cure of this disease. Get tested.