What are the different types of prostate cancer tests?
There are several different types of prostate cancer tests that are used for diagnostics or screening of the disease. The digital rectal test and a blood test for a substance called "prostate-special antigen" are the two most common initial prostate cancer tests. If any of these two tests bring abnormal results, the diagnosis must be confirmed by more sophisticated testing, including ultrasound and prostate biopsy, cystoscopy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computer tomography (CT). If the diagnosis of prostate cancer is confirmed, the doctor will assign the cancer to the IV. During the digital rectal test, the medical provider inserts its cunning finger into the patient's rectum and examines the prostate. The physician is looking for abnormalities in the shape, size and texture of the prostate.Test C Antigen begins with the sample of blood from the vein to the patient's arm. The sample is analyzed on antigens specific to the prostate that the prostate of the gland produces naturally. A small amount of these antigens is normal; HighlightThe level usually indicates prostate, infection, enlargement or cancer.
If either the initial screening test brings abnormal results, the patient will have to undergo additional prostate cancer tests to confirm the diagnosis. Ultrasound or prostate biopsy are often the next step. During the transrectal ultrasound, a small cigar -shaped probe and the sounds of the waves that produce are inserted into the patient's rectum creates a picture of the prostate.
Transrectal ultrasound is less invasive than prostate biopsy. The doctor puts a thin needle into the prostate to collect the cell sample. The cells are then analyzed to determine Zday are cancer. If cancer, cells are compared with healthy prostate cells to determine how aggressive cells are. Cancer cells receive a Gleason score in the range of 2 (non -aggressive) to 10 (extremely aggressive).
If present is the CancerOn, additional prostate cancer tests can be carried out to see if and how far the cancer has spread. For this purpose, imaging tests such as bone scanning, ultrasound, CT scan or MRI are usually used. These prostate cancer tests are usually ordered only if the doctor believes that cancer has spread beyond the prostate.
There are four phases of prostate cancer that determine treatment. In the first phase, cancer is limited to a small area and cannot be felt by a doctor. If cancer is limited to the prostate but may be felt, it is phase II. Phase III cancer has spread to nearby tissues, while Phase IV cancer has spread to lymph nodes, bones and organs. No treatment can be necessary for phase I, but the phases of multiple progress may require radiation or hormonal therapy, ultrasound with high intensity or chemotherapy.
Most prostate cancer cases are discovered during routine screening. Most men start routine screenings at the age of 50. Men who have a high risk of developing this cancer may begin routine screening earlier. Some medical organizations recommend screening procedures; Each individual can discuss the risks and benefits of screening with his doctor's provider.