Prostate Examinations May Easily Expose Prostate Problems

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is a benign enlargement of the prostate that affects the majority of men over the age of 60 and this brief article considers how the doctor tests for the presence of this condition.

Almost all men will suffer some type of prostate problem with almost half of all men suffering from benign prostatic hyperplasia (a swollen or enlarged prostate) by the age of 60 and nearly ninety percent getting the problem by the time they reach the age of 80 years of age.

As its name clearly suggests benign prostatic hyperplasia is a non-malignant or benign enlargement of the prostate and can frequently be treated using drugs or with minor surgery. The first step however is to confirm that the problem is in fact benign prostatic hyperplasia and that the symptoms are not the result of something else, like a urinary tract infection or problems with the bladder or kidneys.

Along with carrying out a check for benign prostatic hyperplasia it is important to also check for the presence of prostate cancer as, despite the fact that a swollen prostate does not result in prostate cancer, it is possible for both a swollen prostate and prostate cancer to exist side-by-side.

Initial testing usually means having a prostate exam, or digital rectal exam, together with an evaluation of the symptoms reported by the patient and his medical history. As the prostate is situated between the rectum and the bladder it is easy for a doctor or nurse to insert a gloved finger into the rectum while the patient lies on his side to examine the prostate for signs of enlargement or abnormality. This is possibly not the most agreeable procedure but is more a case of being uncomfortable rather than painful.

It is also feasible for you to undertake your own prostate exam or for your partner to carry this out for you. Indeed, many men find that this relatively simple examination may be done quite easily every now and again whilst taking a shower. This can provide a great deal of peace of mind and allows any problem to be picked up at an early stage so that it can be treated.

It is also usual at this stage for the doctor to order a variety of laboratory tests. These could include a blood test to determine PSA levels, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine together with a urine test.

Prostate specific antigen is found in the blood and is specific to the prostate with levels rising slightly in response to benign prostatic hyperplasia and markedly in the case of prostate cancer.

The remaining tests are intended to point up the presence of a urinary tract infection or problems with the kidneys, both of which can produce symptoms which are similar to those seen in cases of benign prostatic hyperplasia.

In certain cases a doctor may also order further tests like an ultrasound examination to determine the size of the prostate and measure the volume of urine in the bladder, or a cystoscopy (an exam making use of a thin flexible scope) to evaluate the condition of the urethra and bladder.

If none of these tests produce clear results a doctor may order a biopsy in which one or more tiny samples of tissue are taken from the prostate for microscopic inspection.

ProstateProblemCenter.com looks at the symptoms of enlarged prostate and the digital rectal exam