WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF PROSTATE PROBLEMS?
Prostate cancer is usually diagnosed during a routine physical and checking the PSA (prostate specific antigen). Prostate inflammation can present with urinary symptoms, including a weak urinary stream, frequent urinary infections, or sometimes bloody urine. Hesitancy also is a very important presenting symptoms, as well as the frequency and incomplete emptying of the bladder. HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED? Prostate cancer can be diagnosed by a prostate exam and a blood test called a PSA. IS THE BLOOD TEST ENOUGH FOR A DIAGNOSIS? No, since sometimes the PSA can be elevated because of inflammation and no cancer and vice versa where sometimes the cancer can be very small and felt as a nodule on the prostate exam and the PSA is not elevated yet, so both tests are very crucial in diagnosing prostate cancer. HOW OFTEN SHOULD I HAVE MY PROSTATE CHECKED? Usually once yearly, unless there is a strong family history of prostate problems. WHEN SHOULD I START CHECKING MY PSA AND HAVE A PROSTATE EXAM? If th
