Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men. Although it is generally a slow-growing cancer, regular screenings provide an early prostate cancer diagnosis to improve outcomes and quality of life. How is prostate cancer diagnosed? If you have symptoms that may indicate prostate cancer, such as difficulty urinating or frequent urination, your doctor may recommend a PSA test. This is a simple blood test that measures how much prostate-specific antigen you have circulating in your blood. PSA, a protein produced by the prostate, tends to be elevated in men with prostate cancer or other noncancerous prostate conditions. While a PSA test is an indicator that something may be wrong, the only way to confirm a prostate cancer diagnosis is by biopsy. During a transrectal biopsy, your doctor will insert a thin needle through your rectum to remove a small portion of tissue from the prostate. A pathologist will look at the cells under a microscope and make a diagnosis. Prostate seed implant During the implant procedure, your doctor will place radioactive seeds of Palladium (Pd 103) directly into your prostate to kill cancer cells. The number of seeds depends on the size and aggressiveness of your cancer. Your doctor may also recommend additional external radiation therapy along with seed implant. Radiation therapy We offer sophisticated radiation therapies that target tumors while sparing nearby healthy tissue. In some cases, radiation therapy provides cure rates comparable to radical prostatectomy. For example, your doctor may recommend external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). EBRT uses precisely targeted high-energy radiation beams in small daily doses for six to eight weeks. Learn more about options for radiation therapy. We also offer measures like the SpaceOAR Hydrogel system that provides additional protection to healthy tissue during radiation therapy, improving your comfort during treatment. Surgery If your cancer is confined to the prostate and has not spread, a surgeon may perform a radical prostatectomy. This surgical procedure removes your entire prostate and surrounding tissue. All cancer treatments have risks, and the risks of prostate cancer treatment may include impotence and incontinence. If you’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer, talk to your doctor about the best treatment options for your type of cancer. Learn more Find a prostate cancer specialist. Find more information in our Health Library. Learn about our men’s care services. For Providers Refer a patient to a prostate cancer specialist. Refer now