Making the Diagnosis
There is a screening test for prostate cancer called the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. PSA is made by prostate cells and all men have PSA levels that can be detected in the blood. Men with prostate cancer often have more PSA. Elevated PSA levels can occur with non-cancerous conditions, so it is important to repeat the test to confirm the results. If high PSA levels are found repeatedly, doctors may suggest taking a biopsy.
Another test a doctor can do is a digital rectal exam (DRE), which involves feeling the prostate with a gloved finger. If there is a high PSA level, or a lump is felt, small tissue samples will be taken from about six to eight locations in the prostate with the use of a biopsy gun. The doctor guides the biopsy gun with the aid of a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS), a device which creates an image of the prostate. The doctor will also want a biopsy sample of the lymph nodes to check if the disease has spread.
If cancer is found, a specialist (usually a urologist) will determine the size, stage, and grade of the tumor. This information will help determine which therapy may be used to treat the cancer.