$Unique_ID{BRK00674}
$Pretitle{Genitourinary System}
$Title{How You Do Diagnose Cancer of the Prostate?}
$Subject{prostate cancer diagnosis}
$Volume{J-15}
$Log{
Prostate Cancer*0007601.scf}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


How You Do Diagnose Cancer of the Prostate?


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QUESTION:  Women are told to examen their breasts for lumps, and so detect
breast cancer.  It isn't that easy for men who are concerned about prostate
cancer.  Can you please tell me how you do diagnose cancer of the prostate?

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ANSWER:  The simplest and best technique for early detection of prostate
cancer is for the physician to insert a well-lubricated and gloved finger into
the rectum and gently feel the prostate gland for any nodules or hard lumps
which if detected could then be followed up with additional tests.
     But since more than 60% of all prostate cancers go undetected until
further symptoms develop, such as urinary problems or spread of the cancer,
approximately 25,000 American men die from the disease each year for lack of
adequate early screening.  It is the leading cause of death in black men and
the third leading cause of death in all American men.
     These figures should convince even the most squeamish male to have
regular yearly screening exams after the age of 40, for prostate cancer is
rare in men under 50 years.  The fact that an estimated 36% or so male readers
of a popular health magazine over 40 years of age had never had a rectal exam
indicates their aversion to what should be a relatively uncomfortable but
painless procedure.
     Other tests such as measuring the serum acid phosphatase are widely and
readily available.  This blood enzyme test has an accuracy of 84%, and can be
used to confirm a diagnosis made by physical examination.
     Less widely used tests use ultrasound, computerized tomography (CT), and
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), but the last two are not sensitive enough to
pick up early tumors, and are relatively expensive
     If a nodule is found during the finger exam and the serum alkaline
phosphatase is positive, to clinch the diagnosis your physician may insert a
very fine hair-like needle in the nodule to remove a sample of cells which he
can be stained and quickly examined under a microscope.  This exam needs no
anesthesia.  Interpretation of the removed cells requires an experienced
pathologist.
     The digital rectal exam, however, remains the cornerstone of screening,
since it is highly accurate, cost-effective and takes only a few minutes.  The
technique detects all but very small or hidden cancers which occur in 5% to
21% of cases and are revealed only after the prostate has been removed for
what appeared to be benign enlargement.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
