Essay On Prostrate Cancer

The diagnosis of prostrate cancer is done by doing a biopsy of the prostrate gland. The PSA test is performed and if the test is found to be abnormal, the cancer test is positive. The biopsy of the prostrate gland is done transrectally and the signs are obtained by ultrasound images. A needle is used to cut a small portion of the prostate gland. Normally, portions are taken from the base, apex and mid area of the prostrate gland. Sometimes, a large number of samples are taken to gain more efficiency. This happens normally in glands which are larger in size. The cut portion is further examined under a microscope by a pathologist, who then identifies the cancerous cells in the tissue.
Once the prostrate cancer is diagnosed, the pathologist further examines the pieces on a Gleason scale. The scale determines the characteristics of cancerous cells and thus detects the aggressiveness of the prostrate
The doctor physically examines the patient and checks his medical and family history. He also tells various tests to be done. The tests include imaging in which pictures of the internal body parts are visible. This is also called as endoscopy. In this, the doctor can examine the internal organs directly through some laboratory tests. In imaging, the doctor is able to exactly tell where the cancer is present. Many times, the doctor uses special dyes because of which some organs get highlighted on a film. The dye can be injected in the body with the help of a needle or a tube.
X-Rays are the most common routes through which the doctor can see inside the body. In this kind of imaging, a CT or CAT scan is used in which the computer is connected to a x-ray machine, giving pictures as an