Prostate Exams: Diagnostic Testing

Hyperplasia INTRAVENOUSPYELOGRAM (IVP)

This test is actually an X-ray. Dye is injected into one of the major veins. While the dye is circulating, pictures of vital organs are taken. This test will record the progress of the dye through the kidneys, bladder and ureter tubes (the tubes that drain the kidneys). This test is more or less optional since most men who have enlargement of the prostate usually have no abnormalities of the ureter tubes or kidneys in a normal urinalysis.

Bladder Ultrasound

This is a simple procedure that can be conducted right in the doctors’ office. It is non-invasive and determines if there is urine left in the bladder after urination. If a large amount of urine remains, it could be an indicator of enlarged prostate that is not allowing the bladder to be completely emptied.

Prostate Ultrasound

This is a test to estimate the size of the prostate by using state of the art software that helps guide the physician. The prostate ultrasound is also important if a biopsy is called for which I will discuss later.

Uroflow

This is a simple test that entails the patient to urinate into a container measuring how strong the stream of urine is.

Radionuclide Bone Scan

A test that can be used if staging (see below) indicates that cancer has spread into the lymph nodes. If the tumor has spread to the lymph nodes, bone commonly follows. However, if PSA levels are under 10ng and there is no indication of bone pain, physicians find that the presence is so unlikely that this procedure is skipped.

Cystoscopy

This test allows the physician to visually examine the bladder and prostate. This is done by inserting an instrument through the urethra.

Computed Axial Tomography (CAT)

This is another test that could identify cancer in remote areas of the body. Without probable cause, like the Radionuclide Bone Scan above, it is probably unnecessary.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

This test may be unnecessary, especially if the prostate cancer is localized.

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