Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List
| | A | | | B | | | C | | | D | | | E | | | F | | | G | | | H | | | I | | | J | | | K | | | L | | | M | |
| | N | | | O | | | P | | | Q | | | R | | | S | | | T | | | U | | | V | | | W | | | X | | | Y | |
Diagnosis of Prostate disease
Prostate enlargement is confirmed by a rectal examination with a finger. Enlargement of the prostate gland is usually a benign condition, but is sometimes due to cancer, so this should be checked by a doctor.
Rectal examination reveals any enlargement of the prostate gland. The enlargement may be smooth and even, or it may be rough and irregular. Smooth enlargement suggests benign hyperplasia; roughness and irregularity suggest the possibility of cancer.
An important diagnostic test for prostate enlargement is the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. The prostate-specific antigen is an enzyme produced by the lining (epithelial) cells of the prostate gland.
The amounts produced are proportional to the size of the gland, whether this is increased benignly or by prostate cancer. Small quantities of PSA enter the bloodstream and their levels can be accurately measured.
Raised levels imply an increase in the bulk of prostate tissue. High levels do not necessarily imply cancer, but indicate the need for a fuller investigation.
The rate of urine can be measured. This is a useful guide to the actual degree of urethral compression. A maximum flow rate of less than 10ml per second, for a total of about 200ml, suggests that the outflow is obstructed.
Ultrasound examination can show the size of the prostate gland, the presence of residual urine after a full urination, abnormal widening of the urethra and the kidney outlets, indicating backpressure and the presence of bladder stones.
Bacterial prostatitis is diagnosed by a rectal examination, which reveals the acute tenderness of the gland. Pressure on the prostate may cause a discharge of pus from the penis.
A urine sample will detect bacteria after the prostate has been gently massaged.
Non- bacterial prostatitis will not show test abnormalities, however the above tests may be done to rule out other conditions.
