Advanced Prostate Cancer Tests and Screenings.

If your doctor suspects that you are suffering from advanced prostate cancer, then he can recommend several types of tests and screening exams in addition to a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. Stage 4 is the most advanced stage – means cancer has spread to organs and areas beyond your prostate, such as your bladder, rectum, bones, or lymph nodes.

Prostate Cancer signs related to urination include:

• Burning or pain during urination.
• Difficulty in urinating, or trouble starting and stopping while urinating.
• More frequent urges to urinate at night.
• Loss of bladder control.
• Decreased flow or velocity of the urine stream.
• Blood in urine (hematuria)

Screening for prostate cancer in the initial stages is done with a blood test known as a prostate specific antigen (PSA) test. This test measures the level of PSA in the blood. PSA is a substance made by the prostate. The levels of PSA in the blood can be higher in men who have prostate cancer.

Test of Prostate Cancer:

DRE or PSA test detects an abnormality; your doctor may suggest further tests to determine whether you have prostate cancer, such as:

• Ultrasound. If other tests raise concerns, your doctor may use transrectal ultrasound to further evaluate your prostate.
• Collecting a sample of prostate tissue.
• MRI fusion.

Diagnosis & Tests for Prostate Cancer:

Several tests are used to diagnose prostate cancer. Detecting the Cancer Two initial tests are commonly used to look for prostate cancer a digital rectal exam and the blood test used to detect prostate-specific antigen (PSA). But the diagnosis can only be confirmed by a biopsy.

• Digital Rectal Exam Doctors use the digital rectal exam (DRE) as a relatively simple test to check the prostate.
• Prostate-Specific Antigen Blood Test PSA is a substance produced by the prostate gland..
• Prostate Ultrasound and Biopsy Prostate ultrasound involves a small probe that is inserted a short distance into the rectum.
• Cystoscopy or Bladder Scope Test Cystoscopy also called a cystourethroscopy or bladder scope is a test to measure the health of the urethra and bladder.
• CAT Scans uses X-rays and computers to produce an image of a cross-section of the body.
• An MRI is a test that produces very clear pictures of the human body without the use of X-rays