Prostate Cancer Support Group

They start with a digital rectum exam to see if they can spot irregularities. Then a PSA blood test to see if you are in normal limits. If not you are reffered to an Uroligist to see if you need a biopsy of the prostate.
Dan

A DRE, or Digital Rectal Exam, is a Dr's finger in your rectum to feel the size and shape of the prostate. They will feel for any nodules, bumps, etc. Also if the prostate is soft or hard. If the prostate feels wrong to them they will do a biopsy. Many times the PSA may be in limits for your age, but if they suspect a problem they will biopsy. this involves a ultrasound in your rectum and an instrument that can be puncture the prostate and bring out tissue to biopsy. the normal biopsy will involve 8 punctures so cover all of the prostate. The biopsy will tell if you have cancer or not. Prostate cancer is very treatable if you catch it early. A good web site for information is the"Radio Therapy Clinics of Georgia, They did my treatment 9 years ago and I am still cancer free. The biopsy is not comfortable, but it does not hurt. You will pass some blood with ejaculation but heals rapidly.

Hope this helps,

J.

I would definately follow up on both recommended colon tests. My hubbys dr did the digital all the time but it never showed any abnormalities. But his PSA levels started to rise and then he had the biopsy and they found 2 very small tumors. His prostate did not enlarge. He had 8 weeks radiation treatment and went thru it fine. No major side effects except trouble urinating and now he takes tablets at night and he pees fine now LOL He also did not suffer impotence either which everyone kept saying he would have...well he didn't so goes to show every man is different. He is happy about that aspect for sure. I am just glad he is well and hopefully this will not happen again.