Diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer
None of the following tests is an individually conclusive indicator of prostate cancer. Your doctor is likely to use more than one test to determine whether or not you are affected by prostate cancer.Everyman is carrying out further research to find a more efficient, comprehensive test - as an early diagnosis is so important to successful treatment.
Rectal Examination
Your doctor can actually feel the size of the prostate gland. However, an enlarged prostate does not necessarily indicate prostate cancer.PSA Blood Test
Tests the level of ‘Prostate Specific Antigen’ in the blood. A high reading suggests prostate cancer but could be caused by other conditions. See ‘What is PSA?’ for further information.Biopsy
A tiny sample of tissue from the prostate is taken using a probe which is inserted into the back passage and the tissue then analysed.Ultrasound
A small probe is inserted into the back passage and a scan taken to show the exact size of the prostate.Bone Scan
Can be taken to determine whether there is any cancer that has spread to the bones near the prostate.Some prostate cancers are so slow-growing that no treatment is needed. Instead, a policy of ‘watchful waiting’ is employed. This involves regular check-ups to monitor the disease and check for any change in condition. When more active treatment is required, there are currently four main options:
Surgery
The entire prostate gland is removed in an operation called a ‘prostatectomy’.Radiotherapy
High energy rays are used to destroy the cancer cells.Hormone treatment
Drugs can be used to lower the level of testosterone in the blood, which has the effect of slowing or stopping the growth of the cancerous tumour. However, some prostate tumours develop the ability to grow without testosterone.
Brachytherapy
A treatment where radioactive ‘seeds’ are implanted directly into the tumour.These treatments carry the risk of side-effects including incontinence and long-term impotence.
