How is Prostate Cancer Detected?
Answer
The most effective means of detecting prostate cancer early is through a screening test, which involves a digital rectal exam and measuring the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in the blood.
The PSA test is believed to detect most prostate cancers. PSA is a protein secreted by the prostate into the bloodstream. Elevated levels of this antigen may indicate the presence of prostate cancer.
If cancer is suspected, a prostate biopsy (removal of tiny pieces of prostate tissue) will be performed. By removing a tissue sample from the tumor and examining it, doctors can confirm or rule out a diagnosis of prostate cancer and determine whether the disease has spread to other organs.