Doctors use many tests to find or diagnosis cancer. They can also test to see if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. If prostate cancer is suspected, your doctor might complete the following tests:
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test – A blood test that measures the amount of PSA in your blood. PSA is a protein made inside the prostate. A high amount of PSA found in the blood may be a sign of prostate cancer.
- Digital rectal exam – Your doctor will insert a lubricated, gloved finger into your rectum to check the size and texture of your prostate.
Typically, a PSA test is performed together with a digital rectal exam or imaging. Imaging methods for detecting prostate cancer include ultrasound, MRI, CT scan, PET, or a combination. Imaging tests can be completed before, during or after a biopsy. Your doctor will decide if you need a biopsy. A biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed to test for cancer. A biopsy is the only test that can confirm you have prostate cancer.
After a biopsy is performed, it is given a Gleason score. This score represents how much your biopsy sample looks like normal prostate tissue. It also describes how aggressive the cancer is – how quickly it will grow and whether it will spread. Your Gleason score is one component used to develop your care plan.
Most prostate cancers have a Gleason score between 6 and 10. A Gleason score of 6 is low-grade cancer, 7 is intermediate-grade and 8 to 10 is high-grade. A higher score means the cancer is more likely to grow and spread quickly.