Detection
Prostate Ultrasound3D vs. 2D
TRUS Ultrasound
TRUS Procedure
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
BPH Causes
BPH Symptoms
Prostate Specific Antigen
PSA Test Candidates
PSA Results
PSA Levels
Prostate Cancer Detection
The early detection of prostate cancer is often diagnosed during routine checkups and stem from an elevated PSA (link to /patients/psa-prostate-specific-antigen.html). Prostate cancer potential indications can have similar symptoms to other diseases such as benign prostatic hypertrophy (link to /patients/bph-prostatic-hyperplasia.html). These symptoms include frequent urination, increased urination at night, difficulty starting and maintaining a steady stream of urine, blood in the urine, and painful urination. Urinary dysfunction and erectile dysfunction are leading indicators among males of a prostate issue. Prostate cancer may also cause problems such as difficulty achieving erection or painful ejaculation, thus affecting sexual performance.
If the prostate cancer is detected at an advanced stage, this may indicate that the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, whose symptoms may have been the result of the original prostate cancer. Most commonly, bone pain, often in the vertebrae (bones of the spine), pelvis or ribs, can be indicators in the detection of advanced prostate cancer.
If the above indications occur, the next step is a visit to a medical professional. A traditional procedure for prostate cancer detection is a digital rectal exam (DRE). In this procedure, the examiner inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectal to examine the size, shape and texture of the prostate. Irregular, hard or lumpy areas of the prostate may need further evaluation as they may contain cancer. Prostate cancer which can be felt on DRE is generally more advanced.
As technology has evolved over the years, prostate ultrasound has become more useful in diagnostic information. During the process, a stationary probe can be inserted into the rectum to provide a 3D image of the prostate, followed by targeted biopsys of areas of concern, with samples submitted to confirming pathology analysis. Furthermore, the latest technology that is used for prostate cancer detection has evolved to deliver treatments to those affect areas of the prostate that represent potential or confirmed disease.
We invite you to learn more about prostate cancer detection: