2023-11-16 20:00:27
The early detection of prostate cancer It is a fundamental part of increasing the chances of healing. Unfortunately, ignorance and prejudice mean that in most cases it is not possible. With this in mind, regular check-ups on all men, even those considered healthy, are of great help in identifying signs from the early stages.
It is currently estimated that one in seven men will develop this condition. tumor at some point in life. After the age of 40, the risk is greatest and it is also one of the leading causes of mortality from neoplasia in the world.
Why are prostate cancer screening tests so important?
The mortality rate of prostate cancer it increases when it is diagnosed late. On the other hand, when it is identified in early stages it is a disease that is relatively easy to treat and control. For this reason, the sooner it is identified the better.
And that is where the prostate cancer exam becomes very important, to detect it early and before the symptoms start, that’s when it’s most treatable. A timely diagnosis helps reduce the likelihood of metastasis or requiring aggressive treatments.
What types of exams exist?
The most used test of prostate cancer screening It is the so-called PSA (total prostate specific antigen).
Since the protein is made from healthy prostate tissue, detecting small amounts in the blood is not worrying but rather normal. However, the detection of high PSA levels is a sign that something may be wrong in the prostate. Detecting PSA levels is as simple as taking a blood test.
A biopsy of prostate tissue is the best tool for prostate cancer detection. This is also how it is officially diagnosed but some additional tests may be performed which may include: a digital rectal exam and, in some cases, a blood test with greater sensitivity.
“Not all men need screening beyond a PSA; However, we have other tools that give us greater accuracy in detecting the risk of prostate cancer and determining whether a biopsy is really needed to rule out or confirm a diagnosis,” says Dr. Brian Miles, a specialized urologist at Houston Methodist Hospital.
When should prostate cancer screening begin?
Any man can develop prostate cancer, but some have a higher risk. The average age at diagnosis is 67 years. For this reason, most men should start testing much earlier.
“There are two factors that justify screening before 50 years of age. “If you have a family history of prostate cancer, you are considered at higher risk, so we recommend starting PSA testing around age 40.”
Where is the test for prostate cancer screening done?
Once you are of age, the test prostate cancer screening It begins as part of the routine check-up with a specialist doctor, who in this case is a urologist.
Since PSA levels are checked through blood, the treating doctor can simply add it to routine blood tests. If the levels are normal, the doctor can guide you in determining how often they should be done again to keep track.
What happens if PSA levels are high?
If the PSA is elevated, you should go for a follow-up test. In these cases it may include a digital rectal test, where the prostate to detect any anomaly.
The prostate tissue is firm but soft. Prostate tissue that feels harder is considered suspicious and a biopsy is always performed in these cases.
Even if the digital rectal exam is normal, some urologists may use a more sensitive blood test to check the levels of some other proteins within the same PSA family. This additional testing may help delay or safely avoid the need for a biopsy.
Also read:
List of pharmacies that sell illegal medications in Mexico according to Cofepris
All expenses that doctors can deduct before the SAT
Ranking with the best Mexican endocrinologists to treat diabetes
#Prostate #cancer #tests #detect