4 Effective Testing For Prostate Cancer

Posted by Cancer Care on Sunday, December 26, 2010


Excluding non-melanoma skin cancer, prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. It affects about 35,000 people each year, approximately 66% of those diagnosed are men who are over 50 years of age. It begins with the prostate cells begin to proliferate uncontrollably, leading to the formation of cancerous tumors. This can then lead to many undesirable symptoms such as urinating properly, and pelvic pain in the groin and lower back. If you suspect you may have prostate cancer the above reasons, or for any other reason, you should go see your doctor for further testing. In this article I will discuss the four tests that can be used.

1)-specific antigen protein (PSA) TEST: Your prostate produces a protein called PSA. A PSA test measures only the level of PSA that is in your blood. A small amount of PSA is normal, but high levels of PSA blood is often associated with prostate cancer. PSA testing is not 100% accurate, because other factors such as your age can affect PSA levels.

2) Check digital rectal examination (DRE): This test, prostate cancer, the doctor inserts a gloved finger into the rectum. Then feel your prostate to see if it has changed shape or increase the size. ERD also has its limitations because prostate cancer can still feel normal from the outside.

3) transrectal ultrasound (TRUS): This test uses sound waves to construct an image of your prostate. Your doctor may then use that image to measure your prostate and see if it seems abnormal. Again ETR is not the test for prostate cancer because a perfectly normal size, normal prostate-form may yet prove to be cancer.

4) Biopsy: This test involves a biopsy of the prostate and examined in the laboratory. Laboratory samples can then be used to determine if the cells of prostate cancer. Although biopsy is one of the best tests available for prostate cancer, there are cases where a prostate biopsy is negative, despite the return of the cancer cells are present.

Executives of the prostate 35,000 men each year. Therefore, if you have reason to believe that you have contracted this disease and see your doctor and ask them to get tested. Although each test has its limitations, together they provide a good indicator of whether your prostate is cancerous.Whilst all intentions are made to make this article accurate and informative, it is designed for general information only. Prostate cancer is a very serious, potentially fatal and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.

Source by ezinearticles.com

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