Prostate Cancer Series Part 2: Testing for Prostate Cancer

This video is part two of a four-part series where we review helpful screening and diagnostic tools for prostate cancer. In this video, learn about PSA, DRE, biopsy as well as the basics of scanning and imaging for prostate cancer. #urologycarefoundation #aua #prostatehealth

To learn more about prostate cancer or to find a urologist near you, go to https://www.urologyhealth.org. The Urology Care Foundation is the official foundation of the American Urological Association. Patient resources made possible by the generous support of Lantheus.

There are many diagnostic tools for people with prostates. Let’s take a few moments to review them! A simple blood test can help check for possible signs of prostate cancer, sometimes before it even causes symptoms. The Prostate-Specific Antigen, known as PSA, is a protein made by the prostate gland. The PSA blood test measures the levels of PSA in a patient’s blood. High levels of PSA may be a sign of prostate cancer or other prostate issues.

A quick exam may help your health care team learn more about your prostate. The DRE is an optional physical test to feel the prostate for problems. During this test, a health care team member puts a lubricated gloved finger into the rectum to feel for any lumps, bumps or abnormal shape or thickness in the prostate.

A biopsy involves taking tissue samples to find cancer cells. Samples of prostate tissue are removed through a needle for review under a microscope to see if they contain cancer or other abnormal cells. If cancer cells are found, an expert called a pathologist will grade and stage the tumor. The grade may range from 1-5. A Gleason Score may also be provided which ranges from 6 -10. A lower score means the cancer is less likely to spread.

There are many types of scanning and imaging available to diagnose or check to see if the cancer has spread beyond the prostate. This video will go over the basics and we will take a deeper dive of in video three of this series.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans use radio waves and magnets to give a clear image of the prostate to show if the cancer has spread to nearby tissue .

Computed tomography (CT) scans use radiation to evaluate tissue and organs to see if there are abnormalities .

Positron emission tomography (PET) scans check for cancer growth by using an agent or enhancer called a tracer, sometimes called a radionuclide or molecular compound. Use of these emerging new agents in imaging can enhance traditional imaging because of its ability to highlight small changes and allow the distinction between cells .

Bone scans take images of bones after a radionuclide dye is injected into the body.

It’s vital to ask your health care team which screening options are right for you.