I) Digital Rectal Exam

*What is digital rectal examination ?
Examination of the rectum in which the doctor inserts his finger through the patient's anus into the  rectum which lies just behind the prostate. Digital rectal examination remains a very important method in diagnosing prostate cancer as the majority of tumors develop in the posterior region of the prostate which is fairly accessible by rectal exam.
Various studies have shown that suspicious digital rectal exam had a positive predictive value in males with normal levels of tumor marker! A lot of these studies recommend performing the digital rectal exam even when the tumor marker is normal.

*How often do I need to have a rectal exam ?
It has been recommended to start screening at the age of 50. Males having a first degree relative with prostate cancer should start even earlier than that at 40 or 45.
                                                               
 II) PSA

*What is PSA ?
PSA is a tumor marker highly specific for prostate cancer. PSA is widely tested for early detection, evaluation of response to therapy as well as for follow up. In cases of prostate cancer, level of PSA is elevated in the blood and can be easily detected in blood tests.
Annual checking of PSA in elderly males above 50 is recommended in association with rectal examination.

Copyright © 2004 [Cairo Oncology Center].
Revised: 07/28/05.