Early detection of prostate cancer | Prostate cancer

Early detection of prostate cancer

Unfortunately, prostate carcinoma in early stages seldom causes symptoms, as it develops on the outside of the gland (i.e. far away from the urethra) and thus problems with urination only occur when the tumor is already very large. However, since prostate cancer can only be completely cured in its early stages, participation in early detection measures (“screening”) is extremely important. These include the following procedures: Determination of the prostate specific antigen (PSA) in the blood.

PSA is a protein detectable in the blood that is produced by the gland cells of the prostate. An increase in PSA may indicate prostate cancer. However, there are also other causes for an increase in PSA levels.

The annual check-up is recommended for men aged 45 years and older and the costs are covered by the health insurance. In this case, however, the physician initially only conducts a conversation with the patient and then collects the digital-rectal examination. If the patient makes noticeable observations or the doctor palpates changes in the prostate, an extended diagnostic procedure is performed, the costs of which are also covered by the health insurance company in this case.

If the suspicion is confirmed in this step, a tissue sample should be taken for further clarification. If prostate cancer is detected early, there is a good chance of recovery. Obtain more detailed information on prostate cancer screening and examination of the prostate.

• Digital rectal examination: The doctor feels with his finger over the anus for typical abnormalities of the prostate. Normally, the consistency of the prostate is similar to that of the ball of the thumb (elastic). A coarse, hard knot would be suspicious.
• Transrectal Sonography: This is an ultrasound examination of the prostate to evaluate the prostate tissue.

  An ultrasound probe is inserted into the bowel via the anus. The immediate proximity to the prostate means that the image quality is better than that obtained by an examination via the skin of the abdomen.

• Determination of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in blood. PSA is a protein detectable in the blood that is produced by the gland cells of the prostate. An increase in PSA may indicate prostate cancer. However, there are also other causes for an increase in PSA levels.