What indicators are checked for prostate cancer?

Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
Updated on February 20, 2025
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Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) is a glycoprotein produced by the vesicles in the cytoplasm of normal or pre-cancerous epithelial cells of the prostate. It is the most specific and sensitive tumor marker for prostate cancer. Therefore, in patients with prostate cancer, we generally conduct blood tests for PSA, especially in screening for prostate cancer, assessing the effectiveness of treatments, and for the prognosis of prostate patients, among other aspects. Additionally, other examinations are combined, such as digital rectal exams, which can also serve as a screening method for prostate cancer. Moreover, CT or MRI scans of the prostate and pelvis, as well as ultrasound examinations of the prostate, can be used in conjunction with the tumor marker PSA for a comprehensive evaluation.

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The difference between benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer.

Prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer are sometimes very difficult to distinguish clinically, as both diseases occur in elderly men, can cause lower urinary tract symptoms, and lead to elevated PSA levels. However, prostatic hyperplasia generally has a longer medical history, whereas prostate cancer has a shorter history and progresses more quickly. During a digital rectal exam for prostatic hyperplasia, the gland appears enlarged and the surface is smooth. In contrast, during a prostate exam, the gland may show irregular enlargement, a rough surface, and the tumor feels firm. When these two are difficult to distinguish, considering a prostate biopsy may be advisable.

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Can prostate cancer be detected by a CT scan?

If a CT scan is performed for prostate cancer, it usually can detect the tumor in the prostate, especially an enhanced CT scan will show enhancement. However, to confirm the diagnosis, it is still necessary to perform a prostate biopsy to find cancer cells. Only with the detection of cancer cells can prostate cancer be diagnosed. Additionally, a blood test for the tumor marker PSA, which generally increases, can be used in combination with these findings for a comprehensive evaluation. The definitive diagnosis of prostate cancer requires a biopsy to find cancer cells, which is the gold standard for diagnosing prostate cancer.

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Prostate cancer radiotherapy is conducted in what way?

Indications for radiation therapy for prostate cancer include clinical stages T1 to T4, M0 to M1. M0-stage prostate cancer patients undergo radiation therapy techniques including external beam radiation and brachytherapy. External beam radiation techniques comprise conventional radiation therapy, three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy, and intensity-modulated radiation therapy. Permanent seed implantation is used only for the treatment of early-stage localized prostate cancer with a good prognosis. External radiation therapy is divided into three categories based on therapeutic objectives: curative, adjuvant, and palliative radiation therapy.

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Is chemotherapy for prostate cancer painful?

For patients with advanced prostate cancer, endocrine therapy is primarily used. Chemotherapy is generally chosen when endocrine therapy is resistant and ineffective. The side effects of chemotherapy are similar to those of other chemotherapy treatments. The first is the gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, decreased appetite, or bloating and abdominal pain. The second is bone marrow suppression, which leads to a decrease in white blood cells and platelets. The side effects of chemotherapy vary with each patient's constitution and other factors. In most cases, with the support of medications for stomach protection, anti-nausea, and increasing white blood cells, the majority of patients can generally tolerate the treatment.

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Can people with prostate cancer eat beef?

Patients with prostate cancer can eat beef. Beef is a high-protein food, and as cancer is a consumptive disease, it is generally advised to enhance nutrition in the diet, such as meats, proteins, vegetables, and fruits to maintain a balanced diet with both meat and vegetables. Avoid junk food, such as pickled vegetables from pickled jars, barbecue items, or excessively oily foods with high fat content. Those should be avoided as much as possible, but other foods, including beef, can be consumed.