Tests to help you determine the truth

If there are symptoms that suggest a possible infection, the best way to deal with the matter is to take it head on. Assumptions may be made and false conclusions are easy to make but the safest way to deal with it is to consult the experts. Early prostate cancer may be diagnosed during routine checkups when doctors find that there is an elevated PSA or prostrate specific antigen.

However, one need not wait for the symptoms before seeking medical attention. A number of screening tests are designed for unsuspected cancers. This is part one of some of them as defined in www.cancer.gov:

Tests that examine the prostate and blood are used to detect (find) and diagnose prostate cancer.

The following tests and procedures may be used:

* Digital rectal exam (DRE): An exam of the rectum. The doctor or nurse inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum and feels the prostate through the rectal wall for lumps or abnormal areas.

* Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test: A test that measures the level of PSA in the blood. PSA is a substance made by the prostate that may be found in an increased amount in the blood of men who have prostate cancer. PSA levels may also be high in men who have an infection or inflammation of the prostate or BPH (an enlarged, but noncancerous, prostate).

Photo credits: Wikipedia