Billy Prostate cancer is mainly diagnosed through digital rectal examination, prostate-specific antigen testing, imaging examinations, needle biopsy, and pathological examinations. Prostate cancer may be related to genetics, age, eating habits and other factors, and usually presents with symptoms such as difficulty urinating, hematuria, and bone pain. It is recommended to seek medical examination promptly when suspected symptoms occur.
1. Digital rectal examination
Digital rectal examination is the initial method of prostate cancer screening. The doctor uses fingers to feel the front wall of the rectum to evaluate the size, texture and presence of abnormal nodules of the prostate. Patients with prostate cancer may have a hard, uneven surface or fixed nodules in the prostate. This test is simple to operate but has low specificity and needs to be combined with other test results for comprehensive judgment.
2. Prostate specific antigen test
The prostate-specific antigen test measures PSA levels through a blood test, and normal values are usually less than 4 nanograms per milliliter. Elevated PSA may indicate prostate cancer, but may also be seen in benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostatitis. It should be noted that cycling, digital rectal examination, or sexual activities should be avoided 48 hours before the examination. These factors may cause false elevation of PSA.
3. Imaging examination
Transrectal prostate ultrasound can clearly demonstrate prostate structural abnormalities, and multi-parameter magnetic resonance imaging can evaluate the location, size, and whether the tumor has invaded the capsule or surrounding tissues. MRI examination is of great value in staging prostate cancer and can also guide targeted biopsy. Bone scans are used to determine the presence of bone metastases and are usually recommended for patients with high PSA or diagnosed advanced prostate cancer.
4. Puncture biopsy
Transrectal or perineal prostate biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosing prostate cancer and is usually performed under ultrasound or MRI guidance. The doctor will take more than 12 tissue samples and send them for examination. The pathology report will clarify the Gleason score of the cancerous tissue, which reflects the malignancy of the tumor. Hematuria, bloody stools or infection may occur after puncture, and you need to take antibiotics as directed by your doctor for prevention.
5. Pathological examination
Tissue samples obtained by puncture or surgery need to be fixed, sectioned, stained, etc., and the cell morphology is observed under a microscope by a pathologist. Immunohistochemical examination can help distinguish prostate cancer from other tumor types. Common markers include P504S, P63, etc. The pathology report will describe the tumor stage, grade and resection margin in detail to provide a basis for subsequent treatment.
Men over the age of 40 are recommended to undergo PSA screening every year, and those with a family history should start at the age of 45. Daily intake of red meat and high-fat dairy products needs to be limited, and appropriate amounts of lycopene and vitamin E should be supplemented. Avoid sitting for long periods of time, holding in urine, etc., and maintaining moderate exercise can help improve blood circulation in the prostate. Confirmed patients should strictly follow the doctor's instructions and regularly review PSA, testosterone levels and imaging examinations to monitor the progression of the disease.
