A biopsy is the only certain way to diagnose prostate cancer
While there are a number of excellent evidence to indicate the possible presence of prostate cancer, such as rectal examination and prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels, the only certain way to diagnose the presence of prostate cancer is to perform a biopsy.A normally prostate biopsy is performed by a urologist, and can be done as an "Office". There are several different ways in which a biopsy may be taken but it is common to start by taking a transrectal ultrasound. Here an instrument is inserted through the rectum and sound waves are used to produce a computer image of the prostate gland. With this hand medical image can be used a hollow needle to remove several small samples of prostate tissue for examination under a microscope.
Most patients are told that the biopsy is not a particularly painful procedure, but probably feel a tingle sensation.The areas from which the samples are taken, and the number of samples taken for testing will depend on the cause of biopsy. For example, if the biopsy is simply in response to rising levels of PSA half a dozen or more samples can be taken from different areas of the prostate. However, if the biopsy is being done to examine a particular area of abnormal prostate then only two or three samples can be collected.Once samples were collected are to be examined by a pathologist. The normal prostate cells are typically of a standard and well arranged in a recognizable pattern size.
However, prostate cancer cells usually vary in size and are irregular in shape.If the pathologist determines the cancer is present, then the qualification will pass cancer to indicate whether it is a low-grade cancer, which is likely to be slow-growing or high-grade cancer may well be aggressive and spread quickly.In pathologist Donald Gleason 1977 devised a scale to classify prostate cancer and this scale is now widely used today. The Gleason scale of 1 to 5 (where 1 represents a low-grade cancer, and 5 high-grade cancer) and a grade is assigned to each of the two samples of the largest areas of cancer with grades in addition to producing a final Gleason score.A Gleason score 2 to 4 is considered to be low and indicates a cancer depending on the age of the patient, can now pose significant threats during the lifetime of the patient.
A score between 5 and 7 is an intermediate for which treatment can often stop the disease in its tracks grade. Once it reaches a Gleason score 8 cancer is said to be aggressive and likely to spread outside the prostate, if you have not already so.Testing the possible presence of prostate cancer is recommended for all men over 50 and men over 40 who fall into the high risk category. It is important however, that prostate cancer is suspected after a biopsy is performed to confirm their presence so that treatment can be given
by:. Donald Saunders
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