Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
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Prostate cancer diagnosis is very difficult.
There is clear evidence that many men have the condition
anytime after the age of 45, but that the average age of
diagnosis is not until age 70, when the condition is quite
worse. In that regard, it is imperative that individuals who
are at risk for developing the condition to have routine
screenings for the disease.
The various tests used to screen for prostate cancer include
a diverse range. One of the options used in screening for
prostate cancer is the digital rectal exam. In this test,
the individual is put into a position in which the anus is
accessible and relaxed and the doctor inserts a lubricated
finger into the rectum to look for signs of problems.
Another screening that is done is called the PSA blood test
(Prostate specific antigen) in which a simply blood test
looks for elevated numbers.
Once there is a sign that something could be
wrong, prostate cancer diagnosis moves to a more drastic
nature. |
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This will include prostate biopsy, cystoscopy, transrectual
ultrasonogphy and more. In cystoscopy, a thin camera is inserted
into the penis and will show the urinary track from the inside
of the bladder.
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Transrectual ultrasonograhy is used to create
a picture of the prostate by using sound waves that are from
a probe that is inserted into the rectum.
In the case of biopsy, usually as a last
resort in diagnosis of prostate cancer, the procedure is
much more invasive but is a solid indication of the cancer.
A biopsy gun is used to access the prostate from the rectum
and inserts a total of six needles into the prostate from
several angles,. Then tissue that is removed is carefully
examined to determine if cancer cells are there.
Often, there is controversy over the need for advanced types
of screening for prostate cancer. In many individuals that
have pre cancerous cells or those that have small amounts of
them, there is little risk of the cells developing and
spreading. |
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In these cases, it is controversial whether
the tests are needed and if the risks of the tests are worse
than the outcome would be if no tests were done. Prostate cancer diagnosis is necessary and
important, though, in individuals that are at a higher risk.
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