If you have an enlarged prostate or think you have prostate problems, your doctor may recommend the tests below to help determine whether you have benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostate cancer:
Blood test. Your doctor may test your blood to look for prostate-specific antigen (PSA). A high PSA level may indicate prostate cancer. However, many men with high PSA levels do not have prostate cancer.
Urine flow study. Your doctor may ask you to urinate into a device that measures urine flow. A weak urine flow may indicate you have benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Digital rectal exam. This is usually the first test your doctor will perform on you. Your doctor will stick his gloved finger through your rectum to check the condition of your prostate. While this sounds uncomfortable, it only lasts a couple seconds.
Cystoscopy. Your doctor will insert a thin tube with a microsope-like lens on it through your urethra and into your bladder to check out your prostate.
Imaging. Your doctor use a rectal sonogram or xray to get a clearer picture of your prostate. He may inject you with a dye which will pass out of your blood and into your urine, which will show up in the xray. If your doctor decides to give you a rectal sonogram, he’ll insert a probe into your rectum to bounce off sound waves.
This site is for informational purposes only. Please see a medical doctor for any prostate related problems or concerns.