Prostate Cancer Tests

When there is a suspicion of a male having problems with their prostate, medical professionals will perform certain tests.

From the opinion of many doctors and researchers, prostate cancer starts with Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia(PIN). PIN is a condition that manipulates the structure of the prostate gland cells. PIN is documented to begin around the age of 20. Most cases of prostate cancer originate in the glandular cells. Glandular cells involve the secretion of seminal fluid.

It has been reported that men over 50 have a 50% chance of having PIN. If the cancer has been located in the local area (only in the prostate area), the survival rate is nearly 100%. If the cancer is located in the regional area (the cancer is seen in other areas), then the survival rate is about 34%.

Early symptoms of prostate cancer usually go undetected unless the individual has experienced problems with urinary tract issues. Sometimes, the problems with the urinary tract may not indicate prostate cancer but a condition with the prostate called “Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)”. BPH can affect all males but there are higher cases reported in older males because the prostate can enlarge to affect the proper functioning of the opening of the urethra.

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If the doctor suspects a problem with the prostate, the doctor may perform a PSA test or a digital rectal exam. The PSA (prostate-specific antigen) is a blood test for measuring the prostate antigen in the patient’s blood. The digital rectal exam is a test that examines the prostate through the rectum. Normally, men have a PSA level of 4 or lower. If the number is above 4, then a prostate biopsy is ordered.

The most widely used method to detect prostate cancer is the core needle biopsy. Under the care of an urologist, a needle is inserted into the prostate and extracts tissues cells from the prostate. Depending on the doctor, there can be up to several tissue samples taken. Once the samples are obtained, the samples are sent to the lab for analysis. Sometimes if there are too many samples taken, it may miss areas where cancer cells may have been located. This creates a “false negative report.”

MRI’s and x-rays provide information about conditions affecting certain body parts.

Transrectal Ultrasound is a biopsy performed with an ultrasound. The ultrasound highlights cells in areas where prostate cancer is found.

A whole body scan is performed if the doctor suspects the prostate cancer may invaded beyond the prostate. The spine and pelvis are the two most predominant sites when the cancer moves past the prostate.

The PSTF-1 (prostate-specific transcription factor-1) is used to detect cancer cells in urine but is not used for patients with prostate disorders. Developed by doctors from the Medical College of Pennsylvania (now the Drexel University School of Medicine), this test proved significant discoveries during clinical trials.

The DNA test is a new test developed by the researchers at the Free University of Berlin. This test detects DNA structure in the presence of abnormal prostate cancer cells. Unfortunately, this test is costly and is only available in limited facilities throughout the country.

The PET scan(position emission test) detects cancer cells through multiple images taken of the body. Another type of scanning test called the “ProstaScint” uses an antibody to detect cancer cells in the prostate. This type of test was performed at the University of Maryland in 1996.

Home Prostate tests can be found in stores but doctors caution patients to report results and don’t use this test as the sole reason to detect the presence of prostate cancer cells because of the possible high false-negative results.

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