How prostate cancer is diagnosed
The information in this section comes from our Tool Kit fact sheet on how prostate cancer is diagnosed. To order your own tailored copy of the Tool Kit, visit our publications page. You can also download and print a PDF version of this fact sheet.
These pages are for anyone who would like to know more about how prostate cancer is diagnosed. They describe the tests used to diagnose prostate cancer and explain what the results may show. They suggest some questions to ask your specialist team and give details of where to get more information about the tests. They also describe the PSA test.
Prostate cancer and other prostate problems can cause similar symptoms but are treated differently so it is important to get an accurate diagnosis. However, most men with early prostate cancer have no symptoms at all. Call our confidential Helpline for more information on risk factors and symptoms of prostate problems. If you are worried about any symptoms or you think you may be at greater risk of getting prostate cancer, your GP will be able to help you decide what course of action to take.
In order to find out what is causing your prostate problem, your GP will ask you about you about any symptoms and may carry out some tests. The results of these tests will tell you and your doctor more about what, if anything, is wrong.
The tests that your GP can do are:
- First, a urine test to rule out infection, and if this is negative, then a blood test to measure the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) level in your blood
- A physical examination called a DRE (Digital Rectal Examination)
Hospital tests that you may have are:
- TRUS (Trans-Rectal Ultra Sound) guided biopsy
- CT scan
- MRI scan
- Bone scan with or without X-rays
The TRUS guided biopsy will tell you if prostate cancer has been found, while the rest of the scans are usually done to ‘stage’ a cancer once it has been found. Some of these tests may not be carried out if the diagnosis is clear without them.
These pages have been reviewed by:
- Dr D Berney, Histopathologist, Barts and The London NHS Trust
- Declan Cahill, Consultant Urologist, Guy's Hospital
- Janette Nichol, Prostate Clinical Nurse Specialist, Guys and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust
- Mr Anup Patel, Consultant Urological Surgeon, St Mary’s Hospital at Imperial College NHS Healthcare Trust, London, and Chairman of Clinical Research Committee, European Association of Urology Research Foundation.
- The Prostate Cancer Charity Support & Information Specialist Nurses
- The Prostate Cancer Charity Information Volunteers
Written and edited by:
The Prostate Cancer Charity Information Team