Practicing physicians who are affiliated with the cancer center, such as primary care physicians and urologists, refer most patients. For localized prostate cancer, meaning the cancer has not spread yet, often there are no symptoms. Prostate cancer is often detected during rectal exams wherein the physician detects that the prostate gland is enlarged or more firm. Nodules also maybe present. We also look for blood markers that identify the presence of prostate cancer.
Age is the biggest risk factor.
The older you get, the more susceptible you are to prostate cancer. Ultimate diagnosis is made with a biopsy of the prostate gland under local anesthesia. This is an outpatient procedure that can be done in the doctor's office. A positive biopsy is reason for further testing. A CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis and a bone scan are done to see if the cancer has spread.