Published on: 5/22/2025
What Tests Are Commonly Used to Diagnose Prostate Cancer?
Prostate cancer diagnosis often involves a blood test called PSA and sometimes a physical exam called a DRE.
Explanation
To diagnose prostate cancer, doctors typically use two main tests. The first is the Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) test, which is a blood test that measures the level of PSA in the blood. High levels of PSA might suggest the presence of prostate cancer, but they can also be caused by other conditions.
The second test is the Digital Rectal Exam (DRE). In this test, a doctor feels the prostate through the rectum to check for any lumps or abnormalities. This type of exam has become less common because it is uncomfortable and less informative for prostate cancer screening.
If the PSA test suggests the possibility of cancer, doctors may recommend further testing, such as a biopsy, to confirm the diagnosis. These initial tests help doctors decide if more investigation is needed to determine if prostate cancer is present.
(References)
- Xu J, McPharlin S, & Mulhem E. (2024). Prostate Cancer Screening: Common Questions and .... American family physician, 39556631.
- Carlsson SV, & Vickers AJ. (2020). Screening for Prostate Cancer. The Medical clinics of North America, 33099450.
- Wei JT, Barocas D, Carlsson S, Coakley F, Eggener S, Etzioni R, et al. (2023). AUA/SUO Guideline Part I: Prostate Cancer Screening. The Journal of urology, 37096582.
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