DRE Digital Rectal Exams in detection of Prostate Cancer

Digital Rectal Exams | PSA | Prostate Cancer

Part 1

Because a part of the prostate gland can be felt through the rectum, an experienced doctor can do a digital rectal exam (DRE) and determine if there is any unusual growth or abnormality. A normal prostate is fairly soft and uniform. If there is prostate cancer present, depending on the stage and location, it may be hard (indurated) with lumps and nodules. If there seems to be any abnormality, the doctor may have a PSA test done, then perhaps ultra sound tests and a biopsy.

A DRE and a PSA test can detect almost all prostate cancer. Senator Robert Dole, who is a prostate cancer survivor, proposed that the government test every man over 50 years old. There is no doubt at all that several thousand unsuspected prostate cancers would be discovered. Several thousand lives could be saved. But some people think this may be a problem. To test everyone would require billions of dollars that the government doesn't have to spend.

Most prostate cancers are slow growing. These cancers may not cause any problem as long as they remain encapsulated in the prostate. If they live to an old age, almost all men will die with prostate cancer, but not necessarily because of it. It has been estimated that 80 percent of 80 year old men have prostate cancer to some degree. If a man lives to be 100 years old, the chances are about 100 percent that he will have prostate cancer. Most of the cancers found in these cases are still contained within the prostate capsule and have not metastasized.