Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
2. How is prostate cancer diagnosed?
Prostate cancer is diagnosed through a combination of medical history assessment, physical examinations, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. The following steps outline the typical diagnostic process:
1. Medical History and Symptoms Review
- The healthcare provider will ask about the patient’s medical history, family history of prostate cancer, and any symptoms such as urinary difficulties, blood in urine, or pelvic discomfort.
2. Digital Rectal Examination (DRE)
- During a DRE, the doctor physically examines the prostate gland by inserting a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum. They check for any abnormalities, such as lumps or hard areas that could indicate cancer.
3. Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test
- A blood test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood. Elevated levels of PSA can indicate the presence of prostate cancer, but can also result from benign conditions like prostatitis or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)…
Prostate cancer is diagnosed through a combination of medical history assessment, physical examinations, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. The following steps outline the typical diagnostic process:
1. Medical History and Symptoms Review
- The healthcare provider will ask about the patient’s medical history, family history of prostate cancer, and any symptoms such as urinary difficulties, blood in urine, or pelvic discomfort.
2. Digital Rectal Examination (DRE)
- During a DRE, the doctor physically examines the prostate gland by inserting a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum. They check for any abnormalities, such as lumps or hard areas that could indicate cancer.
3. Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test
- A blood test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood. Elevated levels of PSA can indicate the presence of prostate cancer, but can also result from benign conditions like prostatitis or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)…
Prostate cancer is diagnosed through a combination of medical history assessment, physical examinations, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. The following steps outline the typical diagnostic process:
1. Medical History and Symptoms Review
- The healthcare provider will ask about the patient’s medical history, family history of prostate cancer, and any symptoms such as urinary difficulties, blood in urine, or pelvic discomfort. Prostate Cancer Diagnosis
2. Digital Rectal Examination (DRE)
- During a DRE, the doctor physically examines the prostate gland by inserting a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum. They check for any abnormalities, such as lumps or hard areas that could indicate cancer.