Once a diagnosis of prostate cancer has been made there are several investigations that may be performed that may help in deciding on a specific treatment. They may include radiological investigations, blood tests or minor procedures. Below is a summary of the tests that may be performed.

• Full Blood Count (FBC):

  The haemoglobin level is checked and the different blood cells are looked at in detail under the microscope. Various forms of anaemia can be picked up via this test. It can also give an indication that the blood is clotting appropriately.

• Liver function tests (LFT):

  The levels of several liver enzymes rise markedly when the liver is damaged. This may be caused by infections like hepatitis or by toxins like alcohol, certain drugs and gall bladder disease such as gall stones. Protein and albumin levels are also measured as in chronic illnesses, the albumin level may fall to quite low levels.

• Urea Electrolytes and Creatinine (UEC):

  This is a test to quantify kidney function. Impaired kidney function results in an elevation of serum urea or creatinine. Various salts in the bloodstream are called electrolytes and include sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate. Importantly, people on diuretics or fluid tablets need to monitor their potassium levels.

• Mid Stream Urine test (MSU):

  This test can indicate the presence of red or white blood cells in the urine which may indicate other diseases of the urinary system or indicate the presence of infection.

• Bone Scan:

  Prostate cancer, when it is no longer confined to the prostate often attacks the bones. Areas of cancer in the bones can be detected by taking a full scan of your bones and looking for increased bone activity. To conduct a bone scan, a small amount of radioactive liquid will be injected into a vein, spreading throughout the body. Preferentially, it will go to sites in the bone where cancer exists. After a few hours, a special camera is used that can detect where the radioactive material has collected. You will lie on a table for the procedure and areas of your body with the most radioactive material will become visible on the camera.

• Computer Tomography Scan (CT):

  Unlike the MRI, the CT utilises X-rays to make a detailed image of the inside of your body. Many x-rays are taken in a short period of time and then combined with computer software to show structures within your body.

• Chest Xray (CXR):

  A chest xray is taken to ensure there are no problems with the lungs.

• MRI:

  (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) is able to provide detailed images of soft tissue such as lymph nodes, the prostate and other nearby structures. MRI scans use radio waves to produce a very detailed picture of the body while you lay very still on an examination bed.

Read More...