Comments on: Is a hard prostate necessarily a sign of cancer?

By: a

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 09:00:59 +0000

Negative. A hardness raises suspicion but does not prove cancer. A biopsy can establish the cancer diagnosis.

Hardness or nodules complement the PSA as a test of prostate cancer risk.
References :
http://www.laprp.com/question_answer.php?aid=103
http://www.laprp.com/patients_speak_detail.php?aid=9

By: calisto04

calisto04 — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 08:49:59 +0000

All men who have enlarged prostate warrant getting PSA levels. The next step in the management will depend on PSA levels and the person’s symptoms.

Men can have BPH or benign enlargement of the prostate as they age. This can be managed by a a urologist if the patient has obstructive symptoms. However, there are characteristics of an enlarged prostate that points to a malignancy. A hard growth is one of them. That, coupled with the elevated PSA findings may warrant further investigation in the form of a biopsy. Only a biopsy will tell you for sure if it is prostate cancer or not you are dealing with. This should be done as soon as possible, as early diagnosis is always key in the management of any kind of cancer.
References :
Harrison’s Principles of Internal Medicine, 16th ed

By: AngieBaby

AngieBaby — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 08:25:59 +0000

It most certainly could be BPH. My father-in-law had a very high PSA at one point and had to undergo 12 prostate biopsies and all came back negative but the wait was terrible. He really only had to wait a day or two but it seemed like an eternity. BPH seems to be very common now days so I wouldn’t call it "cancer" yet. Best wishes. Please post the results to the person with the "best answer" so we all will know if your friend is okay. He’s in my prayers. : )
References :
Medical transcriptionist. I see cases of BPH all the time.