Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that can go undetected for years because it's usually very slow growing. It also tends to stay localized to the prostate gland and cause minimal harm to the rest of the body. That being said, prostate cancer is still very dangerous and the earlier you seek treatment, the better. All of this stems from an early diagnosis, but many men are concerned about the methods employed to detect this type of cancer.
PSA Test
One of the best ways to detect prostate cancer is a prostate-specific antigen test (PSA test). When you have prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostatitis, the levels of PSA in your blood will be much higher than normal. While this test isn't enough to detect prostate cancer alone, it is a good starting point for a diagnosis.
Digital Rectal Examination
This is probably the test that most men are worrisome about. However, it is a good way to detect prostate cancer. It involves the doctor inserting a well-lubricated finger into the rectum. This exam is used to feel for a hard, lump of tissue on the prostate gland, which is normally soft. It's important to note, however, that many cases of prostate cancer cannot be detected using this method.
PSA Age Test
Sometimes, doctors will use the PSA test, but increase the amount of PSA that needs to be detected in the blood based on age before a cancer diagnosis is suspected. So, if you're a man between the ages of 40 and 49, a 2.5 ng/ML PSA level might seem normal, but a 6.5 ng/mL level might be normal for a man over 70. Not all doctors use this method, but it might be something to keep in mind.
PSA II Test
Another type of PSA test might be used to diagnose prostate cancer as well. It's called a Free and Total PSA and instead of just looking for PSA, it also includes PSA that's unbound and floating freely away from proteins. This test can be used to determine if you have a low level of free PSA in comparison to a high level of PSA in general. Since bound PSA typically points to cancer, a diagnosis can be inferred this way.
Transrectal Ultrasound
Another method of diagnosing prostate cancer is a transrectal ultrasound or TRUS. This test works by detecting the size of the prostate and can identify any accompanying tumors. The ultrasound is taken by placing a probe in the rectum. Ultrasonic impulses are then emitted to create an image of the prostate, which is then displayed on a monitor. This is probably the most effective way to detect prostate cancer at any stage.
Prostatic Acid Phosphatase Test
Another test form is called a Prostatic Acid Phosphatase or PAP test. This test works by testing how much of this enzyme is present in the blood. The further along any prostate-related disease is, the more PAP is present in the blood.
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