Sign In



Remember Me

MedlinePlus®

A service of the National Library of Medicine.

MerckSource received the 2006 WebAward for Outstanding Website Development from the Web Marketing Association at the annual WebAward competition.






MerckSource was honored at the Healthcare Internet Conference in Atlanta, receiving the 2006 Gold eHealthcare Leadership Award for best health/healthcare content.






MerckSource received the 2006 WWW site Award of Excellence from the Health Improvement Institute. This award honors excellence in health communications.






More Awards

Print This Page   Add To My Folder

This information is provided by an independent source. Merck & Co., Inc. is not responsible for this content. The information provided on these various health topics is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always contact your health or medical practitioner to get the most accurate information about your condition. This information should not be used to make a diagnosis. Please discuss any and all treatment options with your healthcare professional.

Living with Prostate Cancer

MEDICAL EVALUATION

LOOKING AT YOUR CONDITION

6a1375 align= To find out more about your prostate, members of your healthcare team will ask you about your medical history. They will also examine you and perform tests. Your history, exam, and test results help your doctors confirm that you have prostate cancer.

During Your Evaluation

  • Medical history. Your urologist will ask about your medical history, and if anyone in your family has had prostate cancer. Be sure to mention any medications or herbal remedies you take, such as finasteride, or saw palmetto. These may affect your test results.

  • Physical exam. You may have a physical exam, including a digital rectal exam (DRE). During a DRE, the urologist inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into your rectum to feel the prostate for lumps or hard spots (a possible sign of a tumor). The DRE takes about a minute.

  • Tests. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and other tests may be used to confirm the presence of cancer. Some tests may reveal more about the tumor and how it may respond to treatment.


Blood Tests

PSA is a chemical produced by prostate cells. PSA levels may change as men age. Both benign disease and cancer can cause high PSA blood levels. Your healthcare team may measure your PSA level often to see how it changes over time.

6c1375

Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS)

During this test, a small probe placed in the rectum uses sound waves to create a video image of the prostate. TRUS may reveal a tumor that can't be felt.

6d1375

Core Needle Biopsy

During this procedure, a thin, hollow needle removes tiny tissue samples from your prostate. Ultrasound may be used to guide the needle. The samples may show if a tumor is cancerous.

7a1375

Bone Scan

After a bone is damaged by a tumor, new bone tissue grows. A bone scan can detect this new tissue. So, new bone growth may show that cancer has spread into the bone. This test may be done based on results from your other tests.

7b1375

CT or MRI Scans

CT (computed tomography) and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scans create detailed views of body tissues. In some cases, these tests may be used to help show locations of tumors.

7c1375

Cystoscopy

During cystoscopy, a small instrument (cystoscope) is inserted through the urethra at the tip of the penis. Your urologist then views the urethra, part of the prostate, and bladder to check for signs of cancer or other problems. This test is rarely used to diagnose prostate cancer.



Previous  |  Next


This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care.
Only your doctor can diagnose and treat a medical problem.
©2001 The StayWell Company, 1100 Grundy Lane, San Bruno, CA 94066-3030.
www.staywell.com 800-333-3032. All rights reserved.