10 Tests Used in Diagnosing Prostate Cancer

Technology is always changing and improving, and medical testing is no exception to this fact. Many more cancers are detected early due to the high level of testing that is now available. More importantly, patients cannot rely solely on one test for a diagnosis as serious as Prostate Cancer. For this reason, there are several tests that a man may undergo in order to get the most accurate and correct diagnosis. These tests include:

PSA: The PSA (prostate specific antigen) test is still the most commonly used test when it comes to detecting Prostate Cancer. PSA is a substance made by the prostate. In men with cancer, there is an elevated level of PSA in the blood. However, the PSA test has been riddled with controversy since a high PSA does not always indicate the presence of Prostate Cancer. BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia) and infections can also cause an elevated PSA. For this reason, the PSA is a good starting point, but not the final answer.

Digital Rectal Exam: The digital rectal exam is another commonly used test for Prostate Cancer. This is a physical exam of the prostate (used with a lubricated, gloved finger) to check if there are any lumps or abnormalities.

Transrectal Ultrasound: An ultrasound scan is taken by use of a small probe that is inserted into the anal tract. The scan will reveal the exact proportions of the prostate and whether or not there is anything out of the norm.

X-rays: X-rays are used to examine the bone area that is around the prostate. If the cancer has spread, these bones, as well as lymph nodes, would be affected and the x-ray will detect the extent of any damage that has been done.

Blood and Urine Analysis: These are noninvasive tests that simply take blood and/or urine samples that get analyzed for any markers that indicate the presence of Prostate Cancer.

Needle Biopsy: In this test, a small probe is inserted into the anal tract and a needle is then used to get a sample of the prostate so it can be further analyzed.

Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan: For this test, x-rays are taken of the pelvic area to see if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes near the prostate.

Bone Scans: When Prostate Cancer metastasizes, the pelvis area, lower spine and upper thighs usually get affected first. A radioactive dye is inserted into a patient’s vein and a picture of his bones is taken. The dye will show areas of bone where the tissue is changing more rapidly than normal.

Genetic Testing: In some European countries, there is a new gene-based test that is highly specific to Prostate Cancer. The gene is PCA3 and because it is specific to Prostate Cancer, its results are not affected by other ailments like BPH or inflammation. The test itself only requires a urine sample. The Food and Drug Administration in the United States has not yet approved this type of testing.

Microbubble Ultrasound: Unlike transrectal ultrasound, this test uses color Doppler imaging with microbubble contrast. In this ultrasound, the microbubbles are made of gas that goes through blood vessels without causing any harm. They are able to enhance the image. Because blood vessels and blood flow are greater in cancerous tissue, the microbubbles tend to stall in the cancer. This is seen on the ultrasound image and provides doctors with a more precise location of where the cancer may be and where biopsies should be taken.

There are still more tests that researchers are working on to make Prostate Cancer screening more reliable and less invasive. With that said, men should take comfort in knowing that the existing tests are still highly reliable and generally safe.

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