THE DIAGNOSIS
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Most men start their prostate journey with their GP because they have some symptoms that are a bother, or because they have requested a prostate blood test, called PSA. This is discussed in more detail in the previous chapter. Most GPs will consider the following when discussing tests for prostate cancer as there is no single, simple test to detect this disease: • The index of suspicion • Signs and symptoms that may be present • Age • General health and other illnesses you may have • 10-year life expectancy Based on the above and the PSA blood test, the GP may refer you to a urologist in a nearby hospital on an urgent suspected cancer pathway. This may be called a UCR (Urgent Cancer Referral) or 2WW (2 Week Wait). In England, this means that you will be seen as quickly as possible and usually within 2 weeks. Just because you have Common Questions been referred to a urologist on this urgent pathway, does not necessarily mean that 1. Can I live without my prostate? you have cancer. Yes, a man can live without his prostate.
The whole may bethat removed The urologist may call you for a first consultation, so it isprostate important yourforGP cancer or part of it when it is enlarged and has your up-to-date contact details to put on the referral form. causing symptoms.
Tests that help make a diagnosis include the following: 2. What conditions other than cancer can and affectgeneral the prostate? • History - enquiry about your signs and symptoms health
• Benign (non-cancerous) enlargement
• An evaluation of your risk factors, such as family history called BPH or ethnicity
• Prostatitis - infection or inflammation • Digital rectal examination (DRE) - a test that examines the prostate
• MRI scan • Prostate biopsies
of the prostate.
3. Do biological women have a prostate? No.
4. How big can the prostate get? There is no real upper limit. • A small sized prostate has a volume You will need to drop your trousers and underwear but not remove them altogether of 30-40ml • A medium You will need to lie on your left side on an examination sized tableprostate has a volume of 40-80ml Your knees need to be brought up to your chest as much as possible – this may be • A large sized prostate has a volume greater than 80ml.around this difficult if you have knee problems, but the doctor will work
Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) • • •
FIGHTING PROSTATE CANCER - A SURVIVAL GUIDE
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