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Various diagnostic tools are used for the detection of prostate cancer.
Digital rectal examination
The physician inserts a gloved finger into the rectum and palpates the prostate. Due to the lose proximity of the rectum to the prostate, abnormalities of the gland can be felt. DRE is very useful in detecting prostate cancer but requires a certain size and position of the tumour. Therefore many early stage cancers are missed using this method alone.
PSA (prostate specific antigen)
PSA is a substance that is produced by the prostate. Its concentration can be measured via a simple blood test. A healthy prostate releases very little PSA into the bloodstream. A high
result of PSA indicates an abnormal situation of the prostate, but does not mean automatically
that prostate cancer is present. It also may be the result if a benign enlargement of the prostate or other circumstances. If the PSA level is high additional evaluations should be performed.
TRUS (Transrectal Ultrasound)
Via a transrectal ultrasound probe (TRUS) the prostate can be visualised on an ultrasound screen, which allows the physician to analyse the prostate tissue. It is used to further define the condition of the prostate gland. A thin ultrasound probe is inserted into the rectum to a distance that permits visualization of the prostate gland. In this way the physician obtains a precise picture of the gland, which can then be examind.
During a biopsy a small amount of tissue is removed via a special needle and examined. This is the only way to definitively confirm prostate cancer.
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