Phone Numbers
Directory assistance
(203) 688-4242
Patient information
(203) 688-4177
Adult emergency
(203) 688-2222
Children's emergency
(203) 688-3333
Admitting
(203) 688-2221
Children's admitting
(203) 688-3331
Psychiatric admitting
(203) 688-9907
Mailing address:
Yale-New Haven Hospital
20 York Street
New Haven, CT
06510-3202
Diagnosing prostate cancer
The PSA test
The PSA (prostate specific antigen) test is a valuable diagnostic tool
for detecting prostate cancer. The test detects changes in the prostate
even before they can be felt by digital rectal examination. That's good
news, because when detected early, prostate cancer is very treatable.
You can have this test done in your physician's office. If you need a
physician, call (203) 688-2000 or try Yale-New Haven Health Physician
Referral Online.
The PSA test measures a protein made by prostate cells. When cancer is present, the prostate cells produce more of this protein. Results under 4 ng/mL are usually considered normal, especially if the man has a normal digital rectal exam. But as many as a quarter of men with a test result of below 4 may go on to develop prostate cancer, so it's important to have the test repeated regularly.
Results of 4-10 are considered borderline. If the digital rectal exam is normal, your physician may order a new percent-free PSA measurement. Men with results over 10 are advised to have a biopsy to rule out cancer.
Digital rectal exam
Most prostate cancers form in the back part of the prostate gland and
can be felt during a digital rectal exam (DRE). While not as accurate
as the PSA test, the exam is still useful in feeling tumors that may be
growing. If you are 40 or older, you should have this exam done every
year by a skilled practitioner who has experience in detecting prostate
cancer.
TRUS (Trans Rectal Ultrasound)
If further tests are needed, your physician may perform a transrectal
ultrasound. Ultrasound uses high-frequency sound waves from a probe placed
in the rectum to make an image of the prostate gland on a video screen.
The test is relatively painless and quick. This test is used in conjuction
with needle biopsy of the prostate and is very useful in helping physicians
detect any abnormal growths in the prostate, even those too small to be
felt by a rectal exam.
Biopsy; needle biopsy
Needle biopsy or fine needle aspiration is a quick way for physicians
to take a sample of tissue from a suspicious area. Biopsies are performed
in your physician's office or on an outpatient basis at the Yale Physicians
Building (directions to YPB).
Using transrectal ultrasound for guidance, a physician inserts a thin needle into the suspicious area and withdraws a small sample of tissue. The sample is then analyzed under a microscope by experienced pathologists at Yale-New Haven to decide whether it is cancer. The procedure takes about 30 minutes An appointment and physician referral are required.
See also:
Questions to ask before cancer tests
Online physician referral service
Last revised: May 1, 2007 (dh)
