Written By: Bhavyajyoti Chilukoti | Updated : February 24, 2015 10:40 AM IST
Prostate cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer in males (above 60 years of age). It is a malignant tumour that starts in the prostate gland and usually progresses at a slow rate. Prostate cancer generally causes no symptoms in its early stages and as the malignancy spreads, it causes urinary problems (pain or difficulty during urination) along with sexual dysfunction. In most cases, prostate cancer is detected incidentally in the early stages by means of a screening test followed by a biopsy for confirmation.
The two standard screening tests for early detection of prostate cancer are
DRE (Digital Rectal Examination) This is a physical examination done by a health professional. He inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the patient's rectum to check for any swellings or other abnormalities of the prostate gland.
PSA test This is a pathological test that measures the blood levels of PSA (prostate specific antigen), a protein produced by the prostate gland and acts as a tumour marker. In case of prostate cancer, the gland produces this protein in elevated quantities. The high blood levels of PSA indicate that the cancer has progressed to other parts of the body. This test is also recommended during and after the treatment of prostate cancer to monitor the cancer.
In case the results of the screening tests suggest that the person might have prostate cancer, the doctor will recommend a prostate biopsy to find out the cancer.
Biopsy It involves surgical removal of a small piece of the prostate tissue followed by examination under a microscope to detect the presence of cancerous cells. A biopsy is usually performed to confirm the presence of prostate cancer based on the screening tests and risk factors. In case the doctor suspects cancer, he may perform repeated biopsies for confirmation. An ultrasound procedure called transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) helps the doctor to find the exact path for the needle biopsy.
If the diagnosis of prostate cancer is confirmed, a MRI scan of the pelvic region is recommended to know the extent of the malignancy. In case the doctor still feels the disease has spread to other regions, he might order a chest X-ray, ultrasound of the abdomen and bone scan.
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