Dear James,
Next to skin cancer, prostate cancer is the leading cause of cancer in older men. Men are screened for prostate cancer even without symptoms to try to find cancers at an early curable stage. Screening involves checking a prostate specific
antigenCea
Histocompatibility antigen test
Hla-b27 antigen
Psa blood test (
PSAPsa
Psa blood test).
PSAPsa
Psa blood test is not a perfect test, but in general the higher it is the more likely prostate cancer willbe found. the other screening tool is a digital rectal examination. The prostate gland can be felt in order to estimate size, shape, and consistency. A classic hard discrete nodule on the prostate is suspicious for prostate cancer.
If either the rectal exam or PSA is abnormal, then a transrectal ultrasound with prostate needle biopsy should be performed. This is a more definitive test and can still be performed in the office setting. Apathologist can then make the determination of cancer or not. Other nodular prostate problems include BPH, calcifications, cysts, prostatitis.
This information is provided for general medical information purposes only. Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition. More individualized care is available through our department at the Henry Ford Hospital and its suburban locations (I-800-653-6568).
Sincerely;
HFHS M.D.-CK
* Keyword: prostate nodule