The prostate, a walnut-shaped gland of the male reproductive system, functions to secrete fluid that becomes part of the semen. Located in front of the rectum and below the bladder, problems with the prostate such as inflammation affect not only sexual function but also urination. The most common prostate problem is benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), an enlarged prostate, which affects approximately 50 percent of men in their sixties according to the National Association for Continence. In addition the American Cancer Society reports that 1 in 6 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer sometime in his life. Because problems are so common, there are a variety of testing procedures to detect and diagnose prostate problems.
DRE
A DRE is a routine exam that is commonly performed during a physical for men over the age of 50 according to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NKUDIC). A DRE is a brief and simple exam to perform, but one that is often dreaded by men. To perform a DRE, a doctor inserts his gloved finger into the rectum to feel the prostate. Although temporarily uncomfortable, this exam can help to determine if the prostate has any lumps, bumps or soft spots. It is during a DRE that the first sign of a problem may be detected.
PSA Blood Test
PSA is prostate specific antigen which is a protein produced by the prostate. Those with prostate cancer often have a higher level of PSA than those without cancer. The PSA blood test measures the level of PSA in a blood sample. This test is often used in conjunction with the DRE as early detection for prostate cancer. The PSA blood test, however, has a high rate of false-positives, so its benefits are currently being studied.
Urinalysis
A urinalysis tests a sample of urine for the presence of blood or bacteria. If blood is present it may indicate that a kidney stone is present, according to the NKUDIC. The presence of bacteria may indicate an infection of the urethra, the bladder, the kidneys or the prostate, a condition known as bacterial prostatitis.
Transrectal Ultrasound
To perform a transrectal ultrasound a probe is inserted into the rectum. The probe emits high frequency sound waves which then create an image of the prostate from the echo patterns produced. The image can help doctors determine the size of the prostate and may show irregularities, but it cannot definitively determine if a tumor is present.
Urodynamic Test
Many prostate problems can block urine flow. A urodynamic test measures the bladder pressure and the rate the urine flows. If the test indicates a weak urine flow rate or reveals that the bladder is not emptying completely, an enlarged prostate may be the cause.
Imaging
There are several imaging tests that can help to identify abnormal structures within the prostate or determine if the prostate is enlarged. These include a magnetic resonance image (MRI) and computerized tomography (CT). Although these tests cannot distinguish between benign tumors and cancer, they are helpful to determining the spread of cancer once a definitive diagnosis is made.
