How many stages is prostate cancer diagnosed in

The diagnosis of cancer is not a one-shot process. It is divided into several stages. Compared with the diagnosis of many other diseases, the diagnosis cycle of prostate cancer is not so straightforward. It is composed of biopsy, rectal examination, prostate-specific acid phosphatase assay, serum prostate-specific antigen assay, etc.

1. Biopsy: Biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosing prostate cancer. Before local spread and distant metastasis occur, when there is only local nodule, biopsy can make a diagnosis. Biopsy is the most reliable test for diagnosing prostate cancer.

2. Rectal examination: It is a very important basis for early diagnosis of prostate cancer. It can be manifested as the prostate capsule is not smooth, hard as stone, and adhered to the surrounding tissues. If it involves the seminal vesicle, it is highly suspicious. The size of the mass varies and should be differentiated from prostate stones.

3. Prostate-specific acid phosphatase assay: This test should be performed 24 hours after rectal examination and urethral examination. About 80% of patients with distant metastasis of prostate cancer will have elevated acid phosphatase, and 20% of patients without distant metastasis will have elevated acid phosphatase. Therefore, a significant increase in serum acid phosphatase indicates the possibility of prostate cancer. This is one of the diagnostic methods for prostate cancer.

4. Serum prostate-specific antigen test: In clinical practice, this test is usually performed one week after rectal examination and urethral examination or catheterization to avoid false positives. Prostate-specific antigen is a more sensitive prostate cancer tumor marker than acid phosphatase, and is of great significance for the diagnosis, clinical staging, efficacy observation, prognosis judgment and recurrence monitoring of prostate cancer.

5. X-ray examination: including chest X-ray, pelvic, lumbar spine radiography, etc., is an important screening method for early diagnosis of tumor metastasis. Sometimes seminal vesiculo-vasoconstriction can also be performed.

6. Ultrasound examination: B-ultrasound examination can show changes in the shape and displacement of the prostate, discontinuous and rough capsule reflection, and the appearance of light masses and dark areas inside the gland. Since this examination is simple, easy to perform, and relatively economical, it can be used as one of the initial screening examinations.

7. CT and MRI examinations: CT examinations have clear images, high resolution, and are safe and painless. They can provide detailed information about the growth and metastasis of tumors and are examinations with great diagnostic value.

Many things need to be done step by step. Being too eager to know the results will only make your thoughts more confused. Follow the diagnostic process. In terms of the cycle, it doesn't take too long to complete the diagnosis. After confirming the cause of the disease, you can start treatment quickly. Disease is not a trivial matter. The sooner it is treated, the easier it will be.