What indicators are checked for prostate cancer?

Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
Updated on February 20, 2025
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhou Zi Hua
Oncology
49sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
50sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
53sec home-news-image

Is prostate cancer stage T2 considered early or mid-stage?

Prostate cancer stage T2 is considered early or intermediate, but it is also necessary to understand the patient's N and M status. If the patient is at stage T2, and both N and M are at stage 0, then it is considered early-stage prostate cancer. If the primary lesion is at stage T2, but N1 is present and there is no metastasis (M), then the patient is considered to have intermediate-stage prostate cancer. If the primary lesion is at stage T2, but there is metastasis in N and M, then the patient's clinical stage is considered advanced. The clinical staging of prostate cancer not only requires understanding of the primary lesion T, but also involves the regional lymph nodes N and distant metastasis M.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhou Zi Hua
Oncology
36sec home-news-image

What are the causes of prostate cancer?

At present, there are many factors that cause prostate cancer, but its exact etiology remains unclear. It may be related to genetic factors, gene changes, prostate gonococcal and chlamydial infections, intensity of sexual activity, and the influence of hormones. Additionally, dietary habits, long-term consumption of high-fat foods, and occupational hazards, such as excessive exposure to chromium, may also be related to the development of the disease.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
56sec home-news-image

What indicators are checked for prostate cancer?

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.