What are tests to confirm prostate cancer?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am 49 years old. My urologist suspects prostate cancer due to blood in my urine and pelvic pain. What tests are necessary to confirm the diagnosis, and how quickly should I act if it is cancer?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Your symptoms like blood in the urine (hematuria) and pelvic pain can be concerning, but they do not confirm prostate cancer. Here is how the process typically unfolds:

Initial testing:

PSA test (prostate-specific antigen): A blood test to check your prostate-specific antigen levels. Elevated PSA can indicate prostate cancer but can also be caused by other conditions like prostatitis or an enlarged prostate.
Digital rectal exam (DRE): Your urologist will check for abnormalities in your prostate’s size, shape, or texture.

Imaging tests:

mpMRI (multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging): If PSA or DRE raises suspicion, a mpMRI can identify suspicious areas for targeted biopsy.

Biopsy:

A prostate biopsy is the definitive way to diagnose cancer. Guided by MRI or ultrasound, it involves taking small tissue samples to examine under a microscope.

Additional tests (if cancer is confirmed):

If cancer is found, tests like a CT scan (computed tomography), bone scan, or PET (positron emission tomography) scan may be ordered to check for spread.

Timing:

Act promptly to schedule these tests. If cancer is confirmed, early-stage prostate cancer often allows for several treatment options with excellent outcomes. However, delays could allow the disease to progress, so do not wait. Prioritize seeing your urologist and following through with the recommended evaluations.

I hope this has helped you.

Please feel free to reach me again, in case of further queries.

Thank you.