by Kelly Morris

Created on: June 19, 2007

Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in the U.S. The American Cancer Society advises men to get a yearly prostate exam beginning at the age of forty. Men may also be advised to have a prostate exam if they are having difficulty urinating, as this may be a sign of an enlarged prostate gland. Other symptoms of prostate trouble include urinating frequently and a weak or interrupted flow of urine; difficulty having an erection and painful ejaculation; blood in urine or semen; and pain and stiffness in the lower back, hips, and upper thighs. Men with these symptoms should see a doctor for a prostate exam. Don't panic, though. These symptoms don't necessarily mean you have cancer; they can be caused by a number of other conditions, such as a bacterial infection of the prostate gland.

Men are often reluctant to have prostate exams, perceiving them to be unpleasant experiences. Regular exams are very important, however. During a prostate exam, the man is usually asked to stand facing the examination table and to bend over so that he is leaning down over the table. The doctor will wear surgical gloves and use lubrication on his or her finger. The doctor will then insert their finger in the rectum to feel the prostate gland. The gland is felt through the walls of the rectum. A healthy prostate gland is about the size of a walnut, triangular in shape, and feels firm and rubbery to the touch. This is called a digital exam. The digital exam is important because a doctor may notice changes in the prostate gland before any other symptoms of cancer or other problems appear.

If cancer of the prostate is suspected, a biopsy is generally performed. During this test, a needle is inserted into the prostate gland to remove cells that can then be tested for cancer. Other tests such as a CAT scan or an MRI may also be performed. If the tests find that there is cancer, treatment may involve surgery to remove the prostate gland, radiation treatments, and/or chemotherapy. When it's caught early, prostate cancer is often successfully treated. That is why it's so important to have regular prostate exams.

Cancer is not the only problem that can occur with the prostate gland. The prostate gland can become infected. An infected prostate gland will have many of the same symptoms of prostate cancer. It will be treated with antibiotics. If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, visit your doctor to have your prostate gland examined as soon as possible to determine the cause and get proper treatment.

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