Prostate Exam Information

Prostate exam is often a taboo subject among men. For many, this medical procedure means invading privacy and refusing to experience it. But it is important for men to have as much information as possible about the prostate exam and its major importance in cancer prevention.

The prostate is a gland that only men possess. It is located under the bladder and surrounds the urethra. The prostate has the role of producing fluids that will later become semen.

Over the years, the prostate gradually increases in size. This is a phenomenon that occurs in all men. We already know that at the age of 80, almost 70% of men experience an abnormal enlargement of the prostate.

Prostate cancer is the most aggressive form of cancer and has a high mortality rate. In addition, it is one of the most common types of cancer among men.

In women, Pap smears and mammography are tools to prevent cancer. Similarly, the prostate exam is a prevention tool for men.

The prostate exam initially involves two steps: the PSA test () and the digital rectal exam. If one or both procedures have suspicious results, the specialist moves to the second phase of diagnosis, using imaging and prostate biopsy.

First of all, before we give you more information about the prostate exam, we will explain to you who should undergo this medical procedure.

Prostate examination information: indications

The main parameters are related to the patient’s age:

• Over 50 years. These men must undergo a prostate exam every year or every two years.
• Between 45 and 50 years old. This age group should be tested for prostate cancer. For example, black men or those with a family history of prostate cancer are more likely to develop these conditions.
• Under 40 years old. It is very rare for people under the age of 40 to undergo prostate exams. Doctors consider ideal candidates those men with more than one close relative who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

If laboratory results are normal, the patient will need to repeat the prostate exam within a year. In some cases where there are no risk factors, patients may undergo the PSA test only once every two years.

Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)

Prostate specific antigen testing

Digital rectal examination (rectal touch)

Digital rectal examination is the other component of prostate examination. It involves inserting a finger into the patient’s rectum to palpate the prostate.

The procedure is performed with gloves and lubrication to reduce the discomfort felt by the patient. Doctors recommend that the patient sit on the bed and, if possible, adopt a fetal position to make the process less uncomfortable and painful.

The examiner, doctor or nurse tries to feel the prostate, which is near the rectum. During palpation, it tries to detect a swelling or a hardened part that indicates the presence of an abnormal process.

If an abnormality is detected, doctors will ask for more investigations. Elevated PSA is an additional concern.

After a prostate exam with abnormal results

The next step after an abnormal prostate examination is imaging investigations to clarify the diagnosis. Your doctor may order ultrasounds and, if necessary, a prostate biopsy.

Early detection of prostate problems is essential. If discovered very early, any tumor is completely treatable and easy to manage. Experts insist on the importance of prostate examination due to its effectiveness when it comes to reducing the number of fatal cases of prostate cancer.

It is essential for men to give up fear and undergo a prostate exam when necessary. A timely medical check-up can save many lives.