How Is a Prostate Exam Done?
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What is a Prostate Exam?
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A prostate exam is a medical procedure designed to determine whether a man's prostate gland is enlarged, which may indicate cancer. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located underneath a male's bladder. Since prostate cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer in men, prostate and bladder exams are an important preventative procedure, especially as a man ages. Many men put off or avoid prostate exams, especially the digital rectal exam, due to fear of physical or psychological discomfort. Such delays in screenings can be dangerous, since catching cancer early in its development provides the greatest prospects for complete removal of malignant cells and a full recovery.
Digital Rectal Exam
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The digital rectal exam or DRE, is a common prostate exam procedure that can be performed by a doctor or even administered as a self exam. To administer a DRE exam, a doctor inserts a finger into the rectum, and makes physical contact with the prostate gland, using the finger to feel for any lumps or irregularities in the texture and surface of the gland. The DRE is performed with a rubber glove and sufficient lubricant for sanitation and to reduce physical discomfort. The test can usually be completed in a minute or less, provided the patient can overcome physical or psychological discomfort to allow the doctor to carry out the exam. The effectiveness of the DRE is limited to the ability of the finger to detect abnormalities, and therefore is an important routine exam, but should not be the sole test use to check for prostate cancer.
PSA Blood Test and Colonoscopy
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The prostate gland produces a protein called prostate-specific antigen (PSA), which tends to increase in concentration in the bloodstream as the prostate enlarges, which can indicate cancer. In this exam, blood is drawn from a vein and taken to a lab where it is tested for PSA levels. Another common rectal exam is the colonoscopy, in which a camera is inserted into the rectum and used to visually identify potential problems in the colon. While the colonoscopy is a primary means to screen for colon cancer, a quick look at the prostate gland before progressing into the intestines may reveal potential problems. Colonoscopy also has the advantage of being able to take a small sample of tissue, or biopsy, to screen the tissue for cancer.
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