Question 1

what is an imaging test for prostate cancer?

Accepted Answer

CT scan: Pet  scan is more useful to evaluate spread and metastasis.

Question 2

is a psa blood test for prostate cancer part of an annual physical?

Accepted Answer

In some cases: In patients aover age 50 and other high-risk situations (family history etc.) an annual physical may include a psa test; in many cases it is done on an every 2 year schedule.

Question 3

when and how often do you recommend taking the psa test for prostate cancer screening? indicate your recommended frequency of the test and when to start taking it, if at all.

Accepted Answer

The : The confusion is reflective of different recommendations based on different biases and goals. It is misleading to think of prostate cancer as a disease that never harms anyone. Prior to psa screening, 70% of prostate cancers were not detected until pain or other sever symptom of advanced disease occurred. Currently i rarely see advanced disease.  Still, in the us each year, over 35, 000 men dye from prostate cancer.  Many more are left impotent and weak with increased risk of heart disease by the hormone treatment of advancing cancer.

I had my first psa at 50 and recommend that for the general public. However, you must be able to be patient in the interpretation of psa.  This is where the controversy should be focused.

In african americans or in cases with a family history of prostate cancer i recommend age 40 or earlier to start screening,  these are 2 situation where earlier and more aggressive disease occurs more frequently.

When you get your psa, keep your own chart of annual changes.  The trend is more important than the absolute measure but non-specialists may not understand. The radiation oncology department at ucsf (your city) is one of the best i could recommend if an issue arises.

Best wishes, 
hmj.

Question 4

i am a 45 year old male and had a psa blood test for prostate cancer screening, which was clear. i was advised to still go for a digit prostate exam. is this necessary, and which health care professional should do it, gp or urologist or other?

Accepted Answer

GP or UR ok: Individual decision take a look at this site
https://www.cancer.org/latest-news/prostate-cancer-screening-faq.html
referral for an exam could occur with a higher PSA level

Question 5

what is the name of the blood test that checks for prostate cancer?

Accepted Answer

PSA: The psa (prostate specific antigen) blood test is used to evaluate men  for the possibily of prostate cancer.  An abnormal level may be due to cancer, infection, or benign prostate enlargement.  Also, prostate cancer may be present with a normal psa level.  Your physician will determine if you need the test and what should be done when the results are available.

Question 6

avodart keeps psa low. so how would the psa test help somebody diagnose prostate cancer if the med keeps the number low?

Accepted Answer

No affect survival: Scroll down to medications part. Have to adjust PSA concentration 'manually' depending on how long you've been on  5a-reductatse inhibitor.

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/718972_4

Question 7

does finasteride (1mg daily) skew psa results when testing for prostate cancer? given family history of prostate cancer (father had it), i want to be sure taking finasteride wont make it more difficult to test for and detect prostate cancer?

Accepted Answer

: Your testing for prostate cancer will/ should start around age 35yrs,  1 mg of Finasteride should not change the PSA significantly. If you are prescribed it pl let the doc know your family history

Question 8

what  test is  used  to  confirm  prostate  cancer  is  gone?

Accepted Answer

PSA: Treated prostate cancer is monitored for recurrence of tumor by blood test  psa  elevations , occasionally by pet scan.

Question 9

if initial tests show that prostate cancer might be present, what happens next?

Accepted Answer

Biopsy: If there is reason to suspect prostate cancer, either by an abnormal blood test or irregular digital rectal examination, then a prostate biopsy is the next step to establish the diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, definitive treatment is then considered.

Question 10

are there any urine tests for prostate cancer?

Accepted Answer

None that: Work, or are in the main stream (no pun intended).  The psa test is also not specific for cancer.

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Doctor answers about:

Test prostate cancer

A member asked:

What is an imaging test for prostate cancer?

A member asked:

Is a psa blood test for prostate cancer part of an annual physical?

A member asked:

When and how often do you recommend taking the psa test for prostate cancer screening? indicate your recommended frequency of the test and when to start taking it, if at all.

A member asked:

I am a 45 year old male and had a psa blood test for prostate cancer screening, which was clear. i was advised to still go for a digit prostate exam. is this necessary, and which health care professional should do it, gp or urologist or other?

A member asked:

What is the name of the blood test that checks for prostate cancer?

A member asked:

Avodart keeps psa low. so how would the psa test help somebody diagnose prostate cancer if the med keeps the number low?

A member asked:

Does finasteride (1mg daily) skew psa results when testing for prostate cancer? given family history of prostate cancer (father had it), i want to be sure taking finasteride wont make it more difficult to test for and detect prostate cancer?

A member asked:

What test is used to confirm prostate cancer is gone?

A member asked:

If initial tests show that prostate cancer might be present, what happens next?

A member asked:

Are there any urine tests for prostate cancer?

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