Prostate Cancer Diagnostic Testing
There are many ways to determine how your prostate is currently functioning and if someone is at risk for developing prostate cancer. Here are several of the common prostate cancer diagnostic testing methods: 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. 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. 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. 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. Uroflow This is a simple test that entails the patient urinating into a container and measuring how strong the stream of urine is. 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. Cystoscopy This test allows the physician to visually examine the bladder and prostate. This is done by inserting an instrument through the urethra. 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 Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) This test may be unnecessary, especially if the prostate cancer is localized. Additional Prostate Cancer Diagnostic Testing Other prostate cancer diagnostic testing methods include Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA), Hyperplasia INTRAVENOUSPYELOGRAM (IVP) and Pelvic Lymph Node Dissection.
DID YOU KNOW?
A single glass of red wine or ten cups of green tea is thought to contain enough polyphenol to hinder the growth of prostate cancer cells. Thought you might enjoy this particular lifestyle change!
