Early detection of prostate cancer is very important to ensure it’s found during the early developmental stages. This immediately offers a better chance for complete eradication and a wider range of treatment options. Although many men do not believe it’s very important to have yearly screening tests, they can easily find any number of potential problems from infection, inflammation or disease like prostate cancer.When it comes to diseases like cancer,early detection of the prostate problems that come along with it is one of the most important ways to get adequate treatment and a much higher survival rate, than if the disease is found in more advanced stages.
Prostate Cancer Screening Tests
The early detection of prostate cancer is done through a series of screening tests that should be conducted by a physician at least once a year for men aged 50 and over. The test for prostate cancer not only enable the doctor to give a thorough check up to make sure the body is in good health, but it’s also a precaution to detect any of the common problems like benign prostate hyperplasia that many middle-aged men face each year.
There are several common screening tests that are involved for early prostate cancer detection and the most common are the following:
Digital Rectal Exam (DRE)
A digital rectal exam is conducted by a physician during routine checkups for men 50 and up. The doctor will have gloved hands and a lubricated finger that will be inserted into the rectum so that he can feel around internally to check the prostate for abnormalities. This exam will also examine the rectal and perineal areas.
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Tests
Prostate specific antigen is a substance or protein that’s created in the prostate. It provides nourishment for semen, making it fertile, and although low concentrations are considered quite normal for men, higher concentrations are usually a cause for concern of infection or disease. The tests are quite standard like blood tests and they quickly discover if there is need to further investigate possible prostate problems like benign prostate hyperplasia, prostatitis or cancer.
If one test resultgives the medical practitioner reason to believe there may be a problem or certain abnormalities, then further testing will be conducted to properly diagnose the problem.
Prostate Biopsy
A prostate biopsy will normally be performed when there is reason to believe there may be cancerous tumor growth. The biopsy will sometimes be combined with a transrectal ultrasound in order to help direct the biopsy.
Transrectal Ultrasound
A transrectal ultrasound uses a fine probe that’s inserted into the rectum to bring up images of the prostate and surrounding area. While this is not a 100% accurate method to see possible tumors, they are helpful to guide doctors to the areas that are mostly likely to get a better biopsy.
Prostate Biopsy
A prostate biopsy collects a tissue sample directly from the prostate to test for cancerous cells. In order to effectively collect the tissue samples, a very fine retractable needle will be inserted in one of two common areas: through the rectal wall or through the perineum. Most of the time, there are 12 samples collected, with each one taking a split second and although it sounds like a very uncomfortable or painful procedure, the discomfort generally lasts a short time and doctors will usually use a local anesthetic to numb the area. Once the samples are collected, they are sent to a specific clinic to be examined under a microscope and identify possible cancer cells and properly diagnose prostate cancer.
Symptoms of Prostate Cancer
Most of the time, men are totally unaware of the fact that they have prostate cancer until a doctor properly diagnosed. This is mainly due to the fact that early stages of prostate cancer have very slow growing tumors and simply do not show any symptoms that would cause alarm.
Moderate prostate cancer symptoms vary from one person to another, and there are many that resemble other common illnesses, which is why it’s very important to get regular checkups and screening tests to accurately detect prostate cancer.
Symptoms of Moderate Prostate Cancer
- difficult urination
- painful urination
- problems starting or maintaining a urinary flow
- frequent urination at night
Advanced prostate cancer symptoms vary just like moderate symptoms; however they are far more concerning and should be addressed immediately.
Symptoms of Advanced Prostate Cancer
- swelling of the legs and feet
- weight loss
- blood in the urine
- bone pain (vertebrae, pelvis and ribs)
- painful ejaculation
- erectile dysfunction
Prostate Cancer Treatment
Depending on varying prostate cancer patient conditions, there are different treatment options that are offered. While some are solely administered, most will be combined for the most effective treatment possible.
The most common prostate cancer treatment options are:
- active surveillance
- surgery
- chemotherapy
- radiation
- hormone therapy
- High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU)
- External beam therapy
Although each treatment type varies in their success rates, some are more commonly chosen over others. One of the reasons for this is that the patient is not qualified for certain treatment, which greatly depends on the prostate cancer stage and their medical history but another factor is the cost. Some of the prostate cancer treatment options are more affordable than others, even if insurance is involved.
For some patients, surgery might not be the most effective but is far more affordable than having external beam therapy that generally has a higher rate of success and is considered less abrasive. When it comes to prostate cancer treatment, there are many different factors that come into play and should be considered very carefully to get the best possible outcome for the future.
When thinking about prostate cancer,early detection through screening tests is the best way to ensure a healthy prostate. Following doctor’s orders and taking the time to get proper tests conducted is the best way to stay healthy and keep a clear mind about the future.
