An early and accurate prostate cancer diagnosis means a more effective treatment. At the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute, you’ll find an experienced team and the latest tools.

We offer:

• Advanced technology, such as image-guided biopsy
• Team care, with specialists who regularly discuss your diagnosis and next steps
• Tests of your cancer’s genetic makeup so we can match you with the most effective treatments
• Genetic counselors, to discuss inherited gene changes that raise your prostate cancer risk

Prostate cancer tests

Screening is the most important tool for finding prostate cancer when it’s most treatable. Anyone with a prostate can get prostate cancer.

Learn more about prostate cancer screening.

If your screening finds suspected prostate cancer, we’ll do tests. If we find cancer, tests can show the size of the tumor and whether cancer has spread.

Scans

Transrectal ultrasound: This uses a small probe, about the size of a finger, that is put in the rectum. It uses sound waves to create images of the prostate gland.

CT scan: This uses an X-ray beam that circles the body to create a detailed image of the prostate.

MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): This uses magnets and radio waves to produce clear images of the prostate.

Nuclear medicine scans: These use tiny amounts of radioactive material to detect cancer cells. The PSMA PET scan is used to find and watch prostate cancer.

Biopsy

In a biopsy, doctors remove a bit of prostate tissue to check for cancer cells under a microscope.  A biopsy can also show the type of cancer and how fast it might grow.

Needle biopsy: This uses a needle to remove the tissue. Doctors use MRI and ultrasound to guide the needle.
 
Lymph node biopsy: This uses a needle or small cut to remove part of a lymph node or nodes to check for cancer cells. These pea-size organs are part of the immune system. They trap cancer cells that have spread from the main tumor. This biopsy helps doctors see if cancer has spread to lymph nodes, and if so, how far from the tumor.

In-bore MRI-guided prostate biopsy: This uses an MRI scan to target areas in the prostate gland that may have cancer. Doctors can take more precise tissue samples, which can lead to a more accurate diagnosis.

Genetic tests

Your doctor may suggest genetic tests because of your family history or cancer stage. Testing can:

• Match you with the best treatment
• Identify more treatment options
• Help your family members understand their prostate cancer risk

We follow federal guidelines on who should get genetic testing. We offer two kinds of genetic tests.

Germline genetic testing: This tests for gene changes you were born with. The test usually uses your blood or saliva. This kind of testing is recommended for people who have:

• Prostate cancer that has spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body
• High-risk or very high-risk prostate cancer
• Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry
• One or more close blood relatives with breast, colon, ovarian, pancreatic or prostate cancer

Somatic genetic testing: This tests for gene changes in the tumor. The test uses tissue from the tumor or your blood.

Our doctors and genetic counselors can talk with you about the benefits and risks of genetic testing. Our prostate cancer genetics clinic has a care team with genetic counselors, a medical oncologist and a urologist.

Learn more

• Tests to Diagnose and Stage Prostate Cancer, American Cancer Society
•  Diagnosing Prostate Cancer, CDC
• Survival Rates for Prostate Cancer, American Cancer Society