Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men, and early, informed decision-making plays an important role in outcomes. National guidelines recommend that men ages 55 to 69 discuss prostate cancer screening with their physician to determine what’s right for them.
“The screening test for prostate cancer is a simple blood test that measures prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels,” says Chad Ritch, M.D., urologic oncologist at Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital. “While an elevated PSA can be a sign of prostate cancer, it can also be caused by other conditions such as an enlarged or inflamed prostate.”
When further evaluation is needed, Cleveland Clinic offers advanced diagnostic technology to improve accuracy and confidence. Multiparametric MRI and serum biomarker tests are selectively utilized to determine whether a prostate biopsy is indicated. If these tests suggest a high likelihood of significant cancer, then an MRI/ultrasound fusion prostate biopsy is recommended.
Fusion-guided prostate biopsy combines MRI and ultrasound imaging to create a detailed, three-dimensional view of the prostate, allowing physicians to precisely target areas of concern. This approach can identify cancers that may be missed with traditional methods and helps determine how aggressive the disease may be, which is critical for guiding treatment decisions.
For men who require treatment, care is tailored to the individual and may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy or immunotherapy. Advances in diagnosis and treatment continue to improve outcomes, with five-year survival rates for prostate cancer approaching 100 percent.
Schedule an appointment with a Cleveland Clinic prostate cancer specialist at ClevelandClinicFlorida.org/Access or call (877) 463-2010.
