If Prostate Cancer Is Detected After I Have Been Screened, How Is That Cancer Definitively Diagnosed?

March 16, 2009 -- Question: If prostate cancer is detected after I have been screened, how is that cancer definitively diagnosed?

Answer: If prostate cancer is detected after screening usually by an elevated PSA or an abnormal digital rectal exam, usually we'll recommend a transrectal ultrasound guided prostate biopsy where we direct needles into the prostate to sample the prostate. Depending on where this is done, this could be done in the urologist's office or the radiologist may do it at the institution.