Invivo - Education & Training

Prostate Cancer

Current Standard of Care

PSA Testing: When determining whether patients have prostate cancer or another prostate-related condition, a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test is typically initially conducted. PSA is a protein produced by cells of the prostate gland and the test measures the level of PSA in the blood. Men typically have a low level of PSA in their blood; however, conditions such as prostate cancer or even benign (not cancerous) conditions can increase PSA levels in men.

Digital Rectal Exam: PSA levels alone to not provide physicians with enough information to distinguish between benign prostate conditions and cancer. Physicians typically use the PSA test results, along with a digital rectal exam (DRE), to help detect prostate cancer in men. During the DRE, a physician inserts a gloved finger into the rectum and then feels the prostate gland through the rectal wall to check for bumps or abnormal areas.

TRUS-Guided Biopsy: If a man's PSA level has been increasing or if a suspicious lump is detected during a DRE, a physician may recommend other tests to determine if there is cancer or another problem with the prostate. Physicians often recommend a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided prostate biopsy which involves taking samples of tissue from the prostate.

Understanding Prostate Cancer

Emerging MRI Technology

 

 

For more information visit
	UsToo.org	American Cancer Society

References
^{1* American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org)
2** Us TOO International, Inc. (www.ustoo.org)
3*** The Journal of Urology (R) Vol 183. 520-528, February 2010
4**** Radiological Society of North America, Inc. (www.radiologyinfo.org}