What are the advanced screening methods for prostate cancer?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 45-year-old experiencing severe urinary symptoms for the past three months. Having intense burning sensation during urination, difficulty starting flow, and noticed blood in urine twice this week. The digital rectal exam showed an enlarged prostate, and PSA (prostate specific antigen) is 7.2 from 2.1 last year). Family history is concerning. My grandfather died of prostate cancer at 55, and my uncle was diagnosed at 50. Standing long hours in the kitchen becomes difficult due to frequent urination needs. MRI is scheduled for next week, but anxiety is overwhelming. Recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. Need guidance on advanced screening procedures and what these symptoms might indicate. Working 14-hour shifts is becoming impossible.

Kindly suggest.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

For now, you have been diagnosed with BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia), in simple terms, an enlarged prostate. It can cause difficulty in urination, urinary urgency & difficulty in holding urine. However, increased PSA & blood in urine are not typical in BPH alone. It could be due to prostatitis (prostate infection), or kidney issues (infection, stone, or malignancy). But based on your family history & rapid PSA increase it raises concern for prostate cancer. MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) will provide detailed imaging to identify any suspicious areas in the prostate and surrounding tissues.

Your doctor can later suggest uroflowmetry and post-void residual (PVR) test. If there is any growth shown in MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), the doctor can suggest a prostate biopsy also. In the meantime, manage your sugar level, and maintain regular exercise, diet and medication, because high blood sugar can worsen urinary symptoms.

I hope this helps.

Let me know if you have any other concerns.

Thank you.