Prostate Cancer Diagnostic Testing - What You Need to Know

Thanks to the commitment of many public figures, prostate cancer diagnostic testing is more widely understood today than ever before, but for many men it still remains an imposing idea.

Prostate cancer can be diagnosed through several methods, though the most common is a digital rectal examination. Though momentarily uncomfortable, this quick internal test performed by a doctor can lead to life-saving detection and treatment.

Several blood tests are used to confirm the presence of cancer, including the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test and the prostatic acid phosphatase (PAP) blood test. Ultrasonography is used to examine internal areas, and works simply when sound waves undetectable by human ears enter the body so that the echoes can create an image called a sonogram. The image is then printed or shown on a screen.

Doctors may also use other methods to determine the severity of the cancer. An intravenous pyelogram occurs when dye is introduced into the kidneys and urinary tract and then x-rays are taken to determine irregularities in the system.

To view the urinary tract and prostate internally, a cystoscopy involves inserting a small camera that is attached to a tube into the urethra. Biopsies are small cuttings or samplings from tissues, organs or tumors that are analyzed by pathologists. They can help doctors determine the most effective form of treatment.

Less invasive ultrasounds can help detect tumors, while urine tests can check for blood and infection. For those who suspect they may have prostate issues but may be wary of doctors, several at-home kits offer a safe and effective test for PSA levels, which may indicate the presence of cancer even if symptoms aren't apparent.

By Timothy Croy