About this topic
The prostate is a part of the mans body that helps make semen. It is found at the base of the penis and in front of the rectum. ‚
Prostate cancer is very common in men. It is caused by an abnormal growth of cells in the prostate. Your doctor may order tests to: ‚
- Help find prostate cancer
- See if prostate cancer treatments are working
- Find if prostate cancer has come back
- Learn more about signs of back or low belly pain or pain when passing urine
General
Doctors use many tests to screen for prostate cancer. ‚
- Digital rectal exam ¢ ˆ ’ The doctor will put a finger in your rectum and feel your prostate to check for enlargement and lumps.
- Prostate specific antigen (PSA) test ¢ ˆ ’ Prostate-specific antigen is a protein. It is made by the cells of the prostate gland. If this number is raised, you may have problems with your prostate.
- Prostate biopsy ¢ ˆ ’ Procedure that uses a needle to collect a tissue sample from the prostate. A lab will look at the sample under a microscope. This helps the doctor learn if your tumor is cancer or not.
- Imaging tests ¢ ˆ ’ The doctor may order an MRI, CT, PET scan, or ultrasound through the rectum. These will help to see your prostate more clearly.
What will the results be?
- The doctor will look at the results of your test and what is normal. The doctor will know if you have an illness that needs care.
- Your doctor may want you to have some other tests. This will help to make sure of the diagnosis.
- The doctor will talk with you about treatment.
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- The doctor may order repeat tests or a prostate biopsy.
- If a biopsy is done:
- Avoid doing activities that may put pressure on your rectal area for the next 7 days. This includes things like riding a bike, horse, or motorcycle. This is for your comfort.
- Limit your sex activity for a few days after the procedure. Ask your doctor when you can have sex.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Prevent infection
- Help with pain
What problems could happen?
- Mild pain may occur with a digital rectal exam
- Infection, if biopsy done
- Blood in semen or urine, if biopsy done
- Problem passing urine
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Pain when passing urine or having a bowel movement
- Pain that does not go away even with drugs
- Blood in your urine or stool. This is normal for a few days after a prostate biopsy.
- Problems having sex
- A lump in your scrotal area
- If you cannot pass your urine
Where can I learn more?
Better Health Channel ‚
http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/prostate_cancer_screening?open ‚
Centers of Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/dcpc/research/articles/prostate.htm ‚
National Kidney and Urologic Disease Information Clearinghouse ‚
http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/medtestprostate/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚