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 explains what the results may show. Some of the information included may not apply to you so it is important to check with your doctor or nurse which sections are relevant to you. These pages also suggest some questions to ask your doctor or nurse and give details of where to get more information about the tests. They briefly describe the PSA test, but more information on this is given in our booklet, PSA and beyond: A guide for men concerned about prostate cancer.
On these pages:
- How is prostate cancer diagnosed?
- What tests are done by my GP?
- What tests will I have at the hospital?
- What do my biopsy results mean?
- Will I need an MRI, CT or bone scan?
- What happens next?
- What support is available to me?
- Questions to ask your specialist team
- More information
Prostate cancer and other prostate problems can cause similar symptoms but are treated differently so it is important to get an accurate diagnosis. Many men with early prostate cancer have no symptoms at all. Call our Helpline on 0800 074 8383 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
Reviewed by:
- Janette Kinsella, 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
- Bruce Turner, Uro-oncology Nurse Practitioner Homerton University Hospital
- Tessa Rodgers, Uro-oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Conquest Hospital
- John McLoughlin, Consultant Urological Surgeon, West Suffolk and Addenbrookes Hospitals
- The Prostate Cancer Charity Support & Information Specialist Nurses
- The Prostate Cancer Charity Information Volunteers
Written and edited by:
The Prostate Cancer Charity Information Team