Men in active surveillance for prostate cancer must undergo periodic visits, which are used to assess the progression of the disease and to identify any deterioration in time.
During an active surveillance visit, the diagnostic evaluation tests, which the doctor can use, are: the PSA quantification test, digital rectal exploration (DRE), prostate biopsy and / or MRI.
But what do these exams consist of and, above all, how often?
Briefly, the PSA quantification test is the measurement of prostate specific antigen, which is usually high in prostate cancer patients. It is generally performed every 3-6 months.
Digital rectal exploration is the palpation of the prostate, performed by the doctor through the rectum. It is generally performed every 6-12 months.
Prostate biopsy consists in taking a small sample of prostate tissue and in the subsequent laboratory analysis of the latter. In general, the first check must be carried out one year after diagnosis, while the following ones after a few years from each other.
MRI is performed only if the PSA test and the DRE show signs of a deterioration in the situation.
