Final answer:
Prostate cancer may be suspected during a routine physical exam or through elevated PSA levels in the blood. Imaging tests such as ultrasound or MRI provide more details, but a definitive diagnosis requires a biopsy of the prostate tissue. Treatment options vary based on individual patient factors, and patients should discuss these with their healthcare provider.
Step-by-step explanation:
How Can Prostate Cancer Be Detected?,
Prostate cancer can initially be suspected based on symptoms or findings from a routine physical examination. A digital rectal exam (DRE) can allow a physician to palpate the prostate gland for any abnormalities or masses. If a mass is detected or if there is a clinical suspicion of cancer, a blood test to measure levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA), a protein produced by prostate cells, is often conducted. Elevated levels of PSA in the blood may indicate the presence of prostate cancer, although other conditions can also raise PSA levels.
An ultrasound or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan can provide detailed images of the prostate and the surrounding areas, which can help in further assessment. The only definitive test for prostate cancer diagnosis is a biopsy, which involves surgically removing a small piece of the prostate gland to be examined microscopically for cancer cells. This step is taken only after less invasive tests suggest the possibility of cancer. Depending on the age and general health of the patient, and the growth rate of the tumor, treatment options can vary significantly.
Patients diagnosed with prostate cancer should discuss the risks and benefits of all treatment options, including the potential for active surveillance, with their healthcare provider to determine the best course of action. Treatment of aggressive prostate cancer may include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, each with its potential side effects, such as erectile dysfunction or urinary incontinence.