Prostate Cancer testing


There's a scene in The Sopranos where it's suggested to Tony Soprano that he has a prostate examination and he replies " Hey, I don't even let anyone waggle a finger in my face !! "
 

There's a scene in The Sopranos where it's suggested to Tony Soprano that he has a prostate examination and he replies " Hey, I don't even let anyone waggle a finger in my face !! "

The [Poor language removed] is the point of that comment in a thread like this...ffs....this is why guys are embarrassed to get checked out, and ultimately leave it too late...

And don't reply with "I was ony having a laugh"...
 
the GP reluctance stems from the number of false positives this test engenders.

About 75 percent of elevated PSA tests are false positives for prostate cancer, meaning that no tumor is detected with biopsy despite the high PSA levels.

By all means get one done, but if you dont have any symptoms, be aware of the above, because you may end up having some pretty invasive stuff like going under the knife as a result of a raised PSA.
 

the GP reluctance stems from the number of false positives this test engenders.

About 75 percent of elevated PSA tests are false positives for prostate cancer, meaning that no tumor is detected with biopsy despite the high PSA levels.

By all means get one done, but if you dont have any symptoms, be aware of the above, because you may end up having some pretty invasive stuff like going under the knife as a result of a raised PSA.
The psa blood test is part of the diagnostic toolkit for prostate cancer. Its not definitive on its own as psa can be raised for other reasons. Infections, riding a bike, prostatitis, enlargement, having sex etc. A raised level might be rechecked in a few months.
Look at it like car check light system
It is usual that the GP would do a DRE ( digital rectal exam) alongside any elevated psa blood test.
Their clinical decision would then dictate if should have an MRI. A Radiologist would determine the likelihood of a tumor from your scans.
Only at that that point would a biopsy be recommended. I wont kid anyone that the biopsy is anything but invasive, undignified and uncomfortable.

Establishing a baseline for psa is also a good idea. The rate in which psa rises is also a good indicator.
 
the GP reluctance stems from the number of false positives this test engenders.

About 75 percent of elevated PSA tests are false positives for prostate cancer, meaning that no tumor is detected with biopsy despite the high PSA levels.

By all means get one done, but if you dont have any symptoms, be aware of the above, because you may end up having some pretty invasive stuff like going under the knife as a result of a raised PSA.
I’m my personal experience I had to have 3 consecutive elevated PSA tests, a DRE, an MRI and a family history survey before they did a biopsy.
Obvs the DRE is intrusive but they weren’t getting ahead of themselves with scalpels.
 

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