Diagnosing Prostate Cancer
Though prostate cancer is estimated to affect between twenty five and thirty percent of men suffering all cancers on a global scale, it is highly treatable. As such, the success rate of curing the condition is very high, when diagnosed at an early stage.
The success rate with early diagnosis is high, as though common, it is one of the most slowly progressing cancers, typically taking up to fifteen years to spread to other areas of the body. Left undiagnosed and thereby untreated however, it will eventually progress to the bones and from there becomes untreatable with presently known knowledge.
The primary test for prostate cancer is prostate specific antigen testing, or PSA. Whilst raised levels of PSA are indicative of cancer being present, it is not a guarantee that this is the case however, with more than sixty percent of those with high PSA not suffering the condition.
Also, as many as twenty percent of those with the condition show know signs of raised PSA levels, so further tests will be required. As such, a rectal examination will be carried out. This is uncomfortable, though not painful.
Often, prostate cancer will cause the gland to develop lumps and harden. A physician will insert his finger into the rectal passage, where they will be able to feel the surface of the gland.
Neither the PSA nor the rectal exam will be proof positive of the condition, but will lead the physician to reach a diagnosis as to whether further investigation is needed. Other factors, such as family history, the individual’s age and their ethnicity will be taken into consideration.
If felt necessary, further testing will be advised by the physician, which will take place in a clinical setting; most likely a hospital. A biopsy will be the most likely test required, which is very effective at diagnosing cancers.
Throughout a biopsy, an ultrasound scanner will be used to build up a picture of what the prostate looks from inside. A needle will also be expertly fed into the prostate, to allow the consultant to take samples of the tissue for analysis. There will most likely be some discomfort through the procedure, though anesthetic will most likely be used.
Once the samples have been taken, these will be subject to analysis to determine whether any cancerous cells are present. The tissue will be graded by what is known as the Gleason score, which will determine both whether prostate cancer is present, and how aggressive it is.
Dependent on the score returned from the laboratory, further testing may be required, through a Magnetic Resonance Imaging scan (MRI), or an isotope bone scan. These tests will determine how far the cancer has progressed.
AN MRI uses magnetic waves which produce a detailed image of the internal body system, to detect spread to surrounding tissue. An isotope bone scan uses radiation to determine whether the bone structure has been affected.
Though naturally a concern, most prostate issues are not indicative of cancer. However, if any issues with urinating or pelvic pain are experienced, particularly in men over the age of 60, it is recommended that a consult with a professional is sought.