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A prostate exam is a procedure that looks for cancer before symptoms appear, when it is easier to treat and prevent from spreading.

If you have any questions about this test, keep reading. We’ll tell you everything you need to know.

The prostate is a gland organ of the male reproductive system. It is shaped like a chestnut and is located below the bladder, in front of the rectum.

It is said to function as a “secondary bladder” that exerts pressure so that semen is expelled through the urethra.

It also has the ability to block off the passage of the bladder and prevent it from releasing its content during sex. The prostate is connected to the testicles by the vas deferens, which prevents urine from contaminating the scrotum.

The prostate is one of the organs most prone to cancer and is the leading cause of cancer in men (along with colorectal and lung).

Prostate cancer tends to grow slowly. Most people who have it are over the age of 65. Its symptoms include:

• Trouble starting to urinate.
• Frequent urination (especially at night).
• Weak or interrupted urine flow.
• Blood in the urine or semen.
  
• Some cases may also be asymptomatic.

A good way to manage and prevent complications from prostate cancer is to have prostate exams, which can be done even when you don’t have any symptoms.

When cancerous or abnormal tissue is found early, it can be easier to treat or cure. That’s why it’s important to be informed and speak with your doctor to decide if you need to have this test.

Treatments

There is currently no standard test for prostate cancer. Researchers are evaluating different exams to determine which ones have the lowest risks and greatest benefits. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), there are different kinds of tests:

Physical exam and history

These involve an exam of the body to review your general health and identify any signs of disease, such as nodules or anything else that appears unusual.

Information about health habits, past diseases, and previous treatments will also be taken.

This category includes the digital rectal exam. The doctor or nurse inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum to palpate the prostate and examine bumps or any irregularities.

Although digital rectal exam may be the first image that comes to mind when most people think of prostate exams, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force says that it does not recommend it as a screening test. According to experts, this is due to the lack of evidence on its benefits.

Laboratory tests

These are medical procedures that take samples of tissue, blood, urine, and other substances from the body.

One of these is the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, a blood test that measures the levels of this antigen in the blood. PSA levels tend to be higher in men with prostate cancer.

Imaging procedures

These procedures use a technique that takes images of areas inside the body.

Genetic tests

Through laboratory tests, cells or tissues are examined to look for changes in genes or chromosomes.

These changes may indicate that a patient has or is at a higher risk of a specific disease or condition.

One of these is biopsy, a minor operation to obtain small segments of the prostate for examination under a microscope. This option is typically used for further investigation if PSA results are abnormal.

If the biopsy shows that there are cancer cells, the doctor will review the best options for your case.

Treatment for prostate cancer may include close monitoring and follow-up visits, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, treatment with vaccines, or surgery to remove the prostate.

These treatments are generally used one at a time, but in some cases, they may be combined.

Relevance

Another key point in the implementation of these tests is determining whether cancer deaths decrease when people have the tests.

Remember that it is important to speak with your doctor or other health care provider before you have any screening test, as each option has benefits and harms.

Health care professionals will tell you about the potential advantages and disadvantages and involve you in the decision about whether the test is right for you.

Experts also stress the role that partners should play. They recommend that we encourage our spouses or partners to speak with their health care provider about prostate cancer screening in order to make the best decision.

Sources: National Library of Medicine; Mayo Clinic; U.S. Preventive Services Task Force; National Cancer Institute (NCI).