When Should I Get Tested
Visit Am I at Risk? to learn more. All men are at risk of prostate cancer, so it is important to talk with your doctor to make an informed decision. Check out our recommended age and testing guidelines, which are based on the NCCN provided recommendations.
Detecting prostate cancer early gives you the best chance of living longer. In fact, more than 99 percent of men survive prostate cancer when it is caught early.
Watch prostate cancer experts, Dr. Lowentritt and Dr. Siegel in this video discuss detection and diagnosis:
When To See A Urologist About Enlarged Prostate
The signs and symptoms of an enlarged prostate become more evident as a man ages. An enlargement of the prostate can signal Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia a noncancerous, but bothersome condition that affects more than half of men in their 50s and up to 90% of men in their 70s and 80s.1,2 However, the severity of these symptoms does not necessarily correlate with the severity of the enlargement of the prostate. In fact, many men who have serious enlargement of the prostate may only have mild symptoms and vice versa. That means that it is advisable for men who experience urinary symptoms to see their urologist early.
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Attention to these problems may help avoid serious interference in their lifestyle, such as the often embarrassing urgency and frequency of urination. A proactive physician visit may also allow for early diagnosis or even prevention of a more serious prostatic condition. LUTS can be a sign of prostatitis or even prostate cancer. Most men experiencing urinary symptoms or over the age of 50 will benefit from regular prostate exams.
Visiting a urologist at the earliest stages of enlargement has the following benefits:
1 National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Prostate enlargement: benign prostatic hyperplasia. NIH Publication No. 07-3012. June 2006.
2 Carter HB. Prostate Disorders: The Johns Hopkins White Papers. Baltimore, MD: Johns Hopkins Medicine 2013:1-25.
How Serious Is My Cancer
If you have prostate cancer, the doctor will want to find out how far it has spread. This is called the stage of the cancer. You may have heard other people say that their cancer was stage 1 or stage 2. Your doctor will want to find out the stage of your cancer to help decide what types of treatment might be best for you.
The stage is based on the growth or spread of the cancer through the prostate, and if it has spread to other parts of your body. It also includes your blood PSA level and the grade of the cancer. The prostate cancer cells are given a grade, based on how they look under a microscope. Those that look very different from normal cells are given a higher grade and are likely to grow faster. The grade of your cancer might be given as a Gleason score or a Grade Group . Ask your doctor to explain the grade of your cancer. The grade also can helpdecide which treatments might be best for you.
Your cancer can be stage 1, 2, 3, or 4. The lower the number, the less the cancer has spread. A higher number, like stage 4, means a more serious cancer that has spread outside the prostate.
If your cancer hasnât spread to other parts of the body, it might also be given a risk group. The risk group is based on the extent of the cancer in the prostate, your PSA level, and the results of the prostate biopsy. The risk group can help tell if other tests should be done, and what the best treatment options might be.
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Da Vinci Robotic Surgery System
The system provides a surgeon with precise tiny instruments to manage surgery with maximal safety and accuracy. A surgeon manipulates on a special console, observing the operated area on 3D images in real-time. The tiny instruments make accurate incisions excluding the trembling hand effect and wrong movements.
Da Vinci robotic system is used as an alternative to open surgery to reduce pain, bleeding, minimize risks of infection and trauma of healthy tissues. An operation is performed through several 1cm incisions, not a big one 15 cm in size as for open surgery. Due to this, a patient recovers faster compared to traditional surgery: within 2-3 weeks instead of several months.
A team of clinicians examined 1,500 men with different prostate cancer stages who had had robotic-assisted prostatectomy. In a 1-year follow-up, 91.9% experienced a normal urinary continence, without any safety pads. 55.3% of men preserved an erectile function and were capable of leading a sexual life. Some postoperative complications in a 3-month follow-up were observed in 8.5% of men.
How Often Is A Prostate Exam Necessary
Your frequency of testing may be due to several factors, including your age, family history, and present health condition:
4049 Years of Age: Most urologists recommend men aged 40 and above to undergo a prostate exam if they have a family history or personal history of prostate cancer. Also, African-American men should talk to their doctor about how often to have these tests performed because they are at a heightened risk. The PSA test is the gold standard for prostate screening, and your doctor may also perform a digital rectal exam .
Your test results will further determine how often you may need a prostate exam. Generally, if your PSA result is under 2.5, you will likely only need the test every two years. On the other hand, if the result is higher, your doctor will probably recommend an annual prostate exam.
If the number is beginning to increase, your physician will probably ask you to return within a matter of months to have a follow-up test because an increasing PSA could indicate the presence of cancer cells. You may also need a biopsy.
50 Years and Above: Men with an average prostate cancer risk start getting a PSA exam at age 50. At this age, your provider may recommend an annual PSA and DRE. Your doctor will guide you regarding future PSA tests because the frequency may change as you age.
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Screenings Can Lead To High Costs
The cost for a PSA test is fairly lowabout $40.
If your result is abnormal, the costs start adding up. Your doctor will usually refer you to a urologist for a biopsy. Costs may include:
- A consultation fee .
- An ultrasound fee .
- Additional professional fees .
If the biopsy causes problems, there are more costs. You might also have hospital costs.
Will Insurance Cover My Treatments
One of your biggest worries may be, How will I pay for prostate cancer treatment? If you have insurance, your policy will probably cover at least some of your prostate cancer treatment. Every policy is different and every patients recommended course of treatment will be unique. Maryland Oncology Hematology is a participating provider for most insurance companies. After your prostate cancer diagnosis, contact your insurer and ask for a copy of your medical insurance benefits. Our patient benefits specialists can help you determine what your insurance will and will not cover.
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Positron Emission Tomography Scan
A PET scan is similar to a bone scan, in that a slightly radioactive substance is injected into the blood, which can then be detected with a special camera. But PET scans use different tracers that collect mainly in cancer cells. The most common tracer for standard PET scans is FDG, which is a type of sugar. Unfortunately, this type of PET scan isnt very useful in finding prostate cancer cells in the body.
However, newer tracers, such as fluciclovine F18, sodium fluoride F18, and choline C11, have been found to be better at detecting prostate cancer cells.
Other newer tracers, such as Ga 68 PSMA-11, 18F-DCFPyl , and Ga 68 gozetotide , attach to prostate-specific membrane antigen , a protein that is often found in large amounts on prostate cancer cells. Tests using these types of tracers are sometimes referred to as PSMA PET scans.
These newer types of PET scans are most often used if its not clear if prostate cancer has spread. For example, one of these tests might be done if the results of a bone scan arent clear, or if a man has a rising PSA level after initial treatment but its not clear where the cancer is in the body. PSMA PET scans can also be used to help determine if the cancer can be treated with a radiopharmaceutical that targets PSMA.
Doctors are still learning about the best ways to use these newer types of PET scans, and some of them might not be available yet in all imaging centers.
Genetic Testing For Some Men With Prostate Cancer
Some doctors now recommend that some men with prostate cancer be tested to look for certain inherited gene changes. This includes men in whom a family cancer syndrome is suspected, as well as men with prostate cancer that has certain high-risk features or that has spread to other parts of the body. Talk to your doctor about the possible pros, cons, and limitations of such testing.
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Seeing Your Gp When You Are Worried About Prostate Cancer
You might go to see your GP because you’re worried about prostate cancer. This might be because you know someone with it or have heard about prostate cancer or the PSA test in the news.
Or you might have some urinary symptoms, such as difficulty passing urine.
Whatever reason you have, don’t delay seeing your GP. It’s important to remember that most prostate cancers don’t cause symptoms and it is more likely that any symptoms you have are due to other causes. But if it is, the earlier it is picked up the higher the chance of successful treatment. You won’t be wasting your doctor’s time.
Try not to be embarrassed. What you tell your GP is confidential. Doctors are used to discussing intimate problems and will try to put you at ease.
What To Expect During The Study
This type of test can be done easily and quickly in your doctors office. In the first instance, a rectal examination is carried out to rule out anything abnormal, such as lumps and hard or soft areas. The urologist can also feel if the prostate is in a larger than the normal state.
If your doctor feels any abnormalities when performing the rectal exam, he or she will probably recommend a blood test. The blood test will indicate at what level the prostate cancer is, but it can also indicate other conditions, such as BPH or prostate infections. If you show abnormalities in your rectal exam and high levels in the blood test, the specialist may recommend additional tests such as:
- Transrectal ultrasound
- Prostate biopsy
- Magnetic Resonance Scan
Keep in mind that if any of the screening tests have unfavorable results, you should talk to your doctor about the next plan to perform. This will depend on your age, health status, and family history.
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Surgical procedures to remove the diseased prostate are usually necessary. Surgical procedures are not always necessary. If the disease is caused by bacterial infections, a doctor can treat the symptoms using alpha-blockers or surgery. Physical therapy, relaxation exercises, and warm baths are all recommended. A physician may also prescribe antibiotics to cure the infection. A bacterial infection can also cause a recurrence of the condition.
An enlarged prostate can be uncomfortable for both men and women. Some of the symptoms of an enlarged male reproductive organ include a weakened urine stream, urgent need to urinate, and urinary tract infections. BPH can also cause damage to the kidneys. A sudden inability to urinate can be life-threatening, as it can lead to bladder and kidney damage. Unfortunately, most men with enlarged prostrates put up with the symptoms for years before they seek treatment. However, many of the men with symptoms finally decide to go to a doctor for proper gynecological evaluation and to begin enlarged prostatic therapy.
Any Sign Of My Car Keys
At what age should you get a prostate exam? Because the early stages of prostate cancer often show no symptoms, detecting it ASAP is the only reason you need to get checked. And if the doctor finds your keys, consider it a bonus. The Canadian Cancer Society recommends you wait until youre around 50 to get screened for prostate cancer.
As you can tell, prostate exams are, ahem, the butts of some pretty good one-liners. Here are some more:
After my prostate exam, the doctor left. The nurse came in with a worried look on her face, and said the three words I was dreading to hear: Who was that?
I had a prostate exam yesterday. Thats the last time I will ever fall asleep on the subway!
I went to see my doctor for a prostate exam. There was nothing to worry about he gave me the thumbs up!
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Whats The Best Treatment For Prostate Symptoms
Treatments for prostate cancer include surgery to remove the prostate, radiation therapy, and ablation therapies, as well as active surveillance. Some treatments are better for some men and some prostates than others. There are side effects for each, so it really requires an informed discussion to help each man make an educated decision.
One thing we do at Yale is use an MRI of the prostate to evaluate the location of the prostate cancer for surgical planning. Ive found it to be quite helpful. Its not done everywhere.
Treatment Options For Men With Enlarged Prostate
If youre a male over the age of 45, chances are you may be suffering from a condition more common than prostate cancer benign prostatic hyperplasia . More commonly known as enlarged prostate, BPH can cause bothersome urinary symptoms that can worsen with age. In fact, nearly 40 million men in the United States are affected by enlarged prostate, according to research published in the Journal of Urology.
During Mens Health Month, consider these steps from the experts at NeoTract, Inc., manufacturer of the UroLift System, for alleviating enlarged prostate symptoms:
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What Are The Symptoms Of Prostate Problems
The symptoms of a prostate problem may include problems with urinating and bladder control. Bladder control is how well you can delay, start, or stop urination. These problems can cause you to
- go to the bathroom frequently
- feel as if you need to rush to the bathroom, only to find you cant urinate or you urinate only a little
- leak or dribble urine
- have a weak urine stream
Depending on the cause of your prostate problems, you may have other symptoms.
If Your Gp Doesnt Think You Need Any Tests Or A Referral
- Can you explain why I dont need to have tests or see a specialist?
- Is there anything I can do to help myself?
- Do I need to see you again?
- Who do I contact if my symptoms continue or get worse, especially during the night or at weekends?
- Ive been reading about prostate cancer and wish to have a PSA test can you explain why I dont need one?
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If You’ve Just Been Diagnosed
If youve just been diagnosed with prostate cancer, you might feel scared, worried, stressed or even angry. Your feelings may change over time. Theres no right way to feel and everyone reacts in their own way.
When youre told you have cancer, it can be a shock and you might find it difficult to take everything in and cope with the information. Thinking about your cancer and possible treatments can be stressful and you may have lots of questions.
You may feel anxious about the future and how having prostate cancer will affect your life and your loved ones.
There are people who are there to support you and there are things you can do to help yourself. Families can also find this a difficult time and they may need support too.
See A Prostate Doctor In Mint Hill And Concord North Carolina
Dr. Richard Natale, an expert in mens health and a broad range of urological conditions, leads our team in giving you treatment tailored to your needs. Your prostate health is our top priority. If you happen to feel any of these symptoms, do not hesitate to have yourself checked.
If you have any questions, you may call us at 786-5131. We also have a secure online form you may fill out to schedule an appointment. We look forward to helping you soon.
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What If My Test Results Are Abnormal
If the results of early detection tests like the PSA screening or the digital rectal exam suggest that you might have prostate cancer, your doctor will conduct further testing. The PSA may be repeated, or you may be sent to a specialist for more tests such as a transrectal ultrasound and a prostate biopsy.
In a prostate biopsy, a tissue sample is taken from your prostate. Cancer can only be diagnosed with a tissue sample.
Recent research has yielded additional tests in addition to the PSA, DRE, and biopsy that can give a doctor more information to determine the probability of both finding cancer during a biopsy and determining how aggressive that cancer is likely to be. Read more on those tests.