Prostate Cancer Tests
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Updated June 10, 2015.
There are many prostate cancer tests available today. What types are there, and what should you know about the various prostate cancer tests? Read on to find out.
The PSA (prostate specific antigen) test is a simple blood test used throughout the world as a screening tool for prostate cancer. What should you know about this valuable test?More »
Many men are apprehensive about the digital rectal exam, but this important screening test for prostate cancer is much less scary when you know what to expect.More »
Ultrasound is often used early on in the diagnosis of prostate cancer to determine if the prostate is enlarged or has an abnormal shape. Ultrasound is also used very frequently during a prostate biopsy to guide the physician to biopsy exactly where it is needed.More »
Biopsy is an essential part of the definitive diagnosis of prostate cancer. Sometimes this procedure can be a source of anxiety and concern for men about to undergo it.More »
"Alk phos" is an important marker in the blood that could alert your doctor that your prostate cancer has spread to the bones. More »
The bone scan is one of the most commonly used tests to determine if prostate cancer has spread outside of the region immediately surrounding the prostate -- specifically to the bones. Read all about this important exam.More »
Updated June 10, 2015.
There are many prostate cancer tests available today. What types are there, and what should you know about the various prostate cancer tests? Read on to find out.
1. PSA Test
The PSA (prostate specific antigen) test is a simple blood test used throughout the world as a screening tool for prostate cancer. What should you know about this valuable test?More »
2. Digital Rectal Exam
Many men are apprehensive about the digital rectal exam, but this important screening test for prostate cancer is much less scary when you know what to expect.More »
3. Prostate Ultrasound
Ultrasound is often used early on in the diagnosis of prostate cancer to determine if the prostate is enlarged or has an abnormal shape. Ultrasound is also used very frequently during a prostate biopsy to guide the physician to biopsy exactly where it is needed.More »
4. Prostate Biopsy
Biopsy is an essential part of the definitive diagnosis of prostate cancer. Sometimes this procedure can be a source of anxiety and concern for men about to undergo it.More »
5. Measuring "Alk Phos"
"Alk phos" is an important marker in the blood that could alert your doctor that your prostate cancer has spread to the bones. More »
6. Bone Scan
The bone scan is one of the most commonly used tests to determine if prostate cancer has spread outside of the region immediately surrounding the prostate -- specifically to the bones. Read all about this important exam.More »