• Why You Need The Test

• What Ultrasound Reveals

• How ultrasound is done

• Creating the Image

• If a biopsy is needed

• Your Prostate

• At Risk for Cancer

• Preventing future problems

Why You Need The Test

 

If a potential prostate problem is identified through a digital rectal exam or a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood test, your doctor may suggest that you have an ultrasound. Along with a possible biopsy (tissue sample) helps your doctor discover cancer early, when it's more likely to be treatable.

What Ultrasound Reveals

Ultra sound uses high frequency sound waves to create an image of the prostate gland. This can help your doctor identify abnormalities in the gland.

How ultrasound is done

The ultrasound test is simple and is often done in your doctor's office. It usually takes less than 15 minutes. You'll clear your rectum, you may be asked to use an enema or suppository beforehand. If a biopsy may he done, you'll be given antibiotics both before and after the test.

Creating the Image

 

You'll lie on your side or with your feet in stirrups. A tube like probe barely bigger than a thumb is covered with a condom. Your doctor gently inserts the probe into your rectum, the probe emits sound waves, creating an image of your prostate on a video screen Your doctor views the image, looking at the shape and structure of your prostate.

If a biopsy is needed

Taking the Sample

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  The Small Tip of the biopsy needle is inserted through your rectum into your prostate.

•  

  One or more tissue samples are taken from the prostate (this is only slightly uncomfortable). Your tissue samples are sent to a lab for examination.

• When the test is of your biopsy are ready, your doctor will talk with you about them and any further exams or treatment that may be needed.
• You notice some rectal bleeding or blood in your urine for few days.
• You may see blood in your semen for two to three weeks.
• Ask your doctor if you should temporarily limit exercise or sexual intercourse after your biopsy.
• Call your doctor if you have a fever, excessive urinary or rectal bleeding, muscle aches, fatigue or difficulty urinating.

Your Prostate

Just below your bladder and in front of your rectum is a small, muscular gland called the prostate. It wraps around the urethra; the tube that carries urine from your bladder. Your prostate produces most of your semen, the fluid that carries sperm.

At Risk for Cancer

 

If cells in the  prostate change abnormally, cancer may form. Cancer often appears in the outer area of the prostate (near the rectum) before spreading to the inner areas of the gland. Usually there are no symptoms unless the growth begins to press on the urethra.

Preventing future problems

 

Ultrasound alone is not a complete prostate exam; it's used to check abnormalities found by other tests. Even if your ultrasound shows no problems, continue to have regular prostate exams. The American Cancer Society recommends yearly digital rectal exams for men over age 40 and yearly PSA blood tests for men over age 50. If you are African-American or have a family history of prostate cancer, you are at high risk. You should yearly, starting at age 40.