Prostate Cancer Screening 

Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men. When it’s detected early — while the cancer is still just located in the prostate gland — there’s a much better chance of successful treatment. Regular screenings can detect cancer in its early stages. 

Prostate cancer screening options

• History: The first step is a thorough conversation with your doctor about your medical history, family history, and any current urologic complaints. 
• Physical exam: A digital rectal exam can detect irregularities or nodules that may be due to cancer.
• PSA testing: Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by the prostate and detected in the blood stream. If you have a high PSA count, it could be due to prostate cancer.
• Further testing: If a PSA screening or digital rectal exam finds abnormalities, your doctor may recommend further testing, such as a prostate biopsy or a prostate MRI.

Prostate biopsy

Patients often undergo a prostate biopsy in the doctor’s office. A probe is passed through the rectum, and then a needle is used to collect small samples of tissue from the prostate gland. Those tissue samples will be sent for testing, and your doctor will discuss the results with you in a separate visit. The procedure usually takes about 10 to 15 minutes. 

Prostate MRI

Your doctor may choose magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to determine the  presence of cancer cells and to what extent they may have spread. An MRI provides a more detailed picture of the prostate without using radiation. Typically, the procedure involves inserting a thin wire covered with a latex balloon into the rectum. The wire then emits magnetic waves that produce an image that can be viewed on a monitor. 

Contact us

Call (412) DOCTORS (412) 362-8677 or, request an appointment to learn more about prostate cancer screening.