Early screening for prostate tumors

 

Early screening means testing to detect cancer in people before they develop symptoms. Symptoms of prostate cancer often don't appear until the disease is advanced. Screening helps detect cancer early, thus benefiting from the following advantages:

- Early detection of prostate disease gives the patient a high chance of recovery, which may reach 100%.

- Early detection avoids exposure to complications of prostate tumors.

 

- Prof. Mahmoud AbdElHakim recommends conducting a comprehensive examination and early detection for men when they reach the age of 50.

- The genetic factor is at the top of the list of factors affecting the incidence of prostate tumors. It is known and scientifically proven that if a family member, such as a father or a brother, suffers from a prostate tumor, the chances of disease increase by 2-3 times. In the case of two family members suffering from a prostate tumor, the ratio may reach 3-5 times.

Therefore, it has become necessary for early detection at the age of 40 in cases of a family history of a prostate tumor to detect any problem early.

Because there are no early warning signs of prostate cancer, men may choose to undergo early detection tests for the disease. Prostate cancer screening provides valuable information to help detect the disease early.

Screening tests reveal the possible signs of prostate cancer. But these tests can't tell for sure if you have cancer. If one of these tests is abnormal, you'll likely need a prostate biopsy to confirm whether you have cancer or not. The examination usually includes several points, the most important of which are:  

Prof. Mahmoud AbdElHakim, Professor of Urology, Cairo University, asks about the symptoms a person suffers from, such as any urinary problems in terms of difficulty or frequency of urination, sexual problems, and the duration of their incidence. Also, he asks about possible risk factors, including family history and the incidence of prostate tumors in first-degree relatives.

 

A digital rectal exam (DRE) is a quick and safe examination technique in which the doctor feels the prostate by inserting a gloved, lubricated finger into the rectum. This simple procedure allows determining whether the prostate is enlarged or has lumps, hard areas, or other types of abnormal tissue. The entire prostate cannot be felt during this test, but a large part of it can be examined, including the area where most prostate cancers are present. This examination may be uncomfortable, especially for men with hemorrhoids, but it is usually not painful and takes a short time.

All prostate gland cells, whether healthy or malignant, produce prostate-specific antigen (PSA), which is abundant in semen. It is also found in trace amounts in the blood.

Nanograms per milliliter, or ng/mL, are the units used to measure the PSA level in blood. A higher PSA level raises the risk of prostate cancer, however, there is no specific measure that can detect and confirm the presence of prostate cancer.

• Most men free from prostate cancer have PSA blood levels less than 4 ng/ml. When prostate cancer develops, the PSA level often exceeds 4. However, a level below 4 does not guarantee that a man does not have cancer. About 15% of men with a PSA of less than 4 have prostate cancer.

• Men with a PSA level between 4 and 10 have a 25% probability of developing prostate cancer. 

• If the PSA level exceeds 10, the chance of developing prostate cancer is more than 50%.

If your PSA level is high, you may need more tests to look for prostate cancer.

It is challenging to utilize the PSA test as a cut-off point to identify prostate cancer because several factors other than cancer can also affect PSA levels.

• Enlarged prostate: Conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a noncancerous prostate enlargement that affects many men as they age, can raise PSA levels.

• Age: PSA levels usually rise slowly with age, even if there is no abnormality in the prostate.

• Prostatitis: is an inflammation of the prostate gland, which may raise PSA levels.

• Ejaculation: this may make the PSA rise for a short time, so the doctor may suggest abstaining from ejaculation for a day or two before the test.

• Certain urological procedures: Some procedures that affect the prostate, such as a prostate biopsy or cystoscopy, can raise PSA levels for a short time.

• Certain medications: PSA levels may increase as a result of testosterone-boosting drugs or male hormones like testosterone.

• Certain medications: Medications used to treat BPH or urinary symptoms can lower PSA levels. These medications can also affect your risk of developing prostate cancer. Therefore, Prof. Mahmoud AbdElHakim is keen to take the patient's medication history.

• Some herbal supplements: Some nutritional supplements may mask an elevated PSA level, so it is important to tell your doctor if you are taking any supplements.

Imaging tests used most often to look for the spread of prostate cancer include:

- Ultrasound.

- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

- Computed tomography (CT).

Small samples of the prostate tissues are collected during a biopsy process to be examined using a microscope. For some men, a prostate biopsy may be the best option, especially if the initial PSA level is high. This test is the only way to confirm prostate cancer. The biopsy confirms the presence of cancer and the rate at which it is growing and spreading.

Early detection is your way to prevent complications of prostate tumors. Therefore, Prof. Mahmoud AbdElHakim, Professor of Urology, Cairo University, helps you through periodic examinations and continuous follow-up.