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Print: How does my doctor check my prostate?
Your doctor may examine your prostate by putting a gloved, lubricated finger a few inches into your rectum to feel your prostate gland. This is called a digital rectal exam. A normal prostate feels firm. If there are hard spots on the prostate, your doctor may suggest additional testing to check for prostate cancer.
What is the PSA test?
Another way to check for prostate cancer is with a blood test called the PSA test. PSA is short for prostate-specific antigen. Men who have prostate cancer may have a higher level of PSA in their blood. However, the PSA level can also be high because of less serious causes, such as infection or prostate enlargement.
The AAFP recommends against prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-based screening for prostate cancer.
Next: Treatment
Source
Treatment Options for Prostate Cancer: Evaluating the Evidence by V Bhatnagar, RM Kaplan (American Family Physician May 15, 2005, http://www.aafp.org/afp/20050515/1915.html)
Written by familydoctor.org editorial staff
Reviewed/Updated: 01/11
Created: 01/99
