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DIAGNOSTICS
Predictive Diagnostics:
Prostate
Nomogram - prognostive calculator, developed by Memorial Sloan-Kettering,
using a variety of diagnostic and disease factors to suggest therapeutic
technique for the potential of remaining disease-free.
Partin
Tables - data developed by Drs. Alan Partin and Patrick Walsh
from Johns Hopkins as a predictor of localized prostate cancer.
Dr.
Partin Study on Free PSA - discussion of the new concept of
"free" versus "bound" PSA in diagnosing prostate
cancer.
Cancerfacts
- provides cancer information and a Cancer Profiler tailored to
your unique medical history.
Prostate Specific Antigen(PSA) Blood Test:
American
Urological Association - comprehensive and balanced discussion
of all aspects of the tests and actions subsequent to it.
Decision Making in the Face of a Rising
PSA - Dr. Alexis Te focuses on the clinical aspects of PSA as
a diagnostic vehicle and the necessity for the patient to view it
as the start of a partnership with his medical professionals as
to the therapy most appropriate for the individual.
Harvard
Family Health Guide - comprehensive discussion of what the test
is and does.
The Catalona Project
- Dr. William Catalona discusses the new standard on PSA.
Trans-Rectal Ultrasound (TRUS):
What
it is and does - in depth discussion from an article by the
eminent Dr. Fred Lee.
Canadian
Urological Association - cautionary article that explains how
improper use of the TRUS could lead to mis-diagnosis.
Biopsy:
The
Biopsy Report: A Patient's Guide - Educational resource written
by a pathologist, in lay person's language, to help in understanding
the biopsy results and pathology report
RT-PCR Blood Test:
The Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction measures the
presence of cancer cells in the blood stream. A positive reading
is Not a predictor that these cells will become metastatic; however,
it should be a point of discussion with your doctor as to whether
or not the tumor cells are totally encapsulated. If the tumor is
not totally within the capsule then serious review must be taken
as to the viability of surgery or brachytherapy.
Imaging:
The
CT (CAT) Scan - basic detail on the procedure - NOTE: though
this test and a bone scan are invariably done as part of an initial
patient visit, the likelihood of their showing any significant anomalies
is low unless the patient is in advance stage prostate cancer
What
is an MRI - excellent explanation of magnetic resonance technology
from a layperson's perspective provided by RadiologyChannel.com
The endo-rectal MRI provides a fully detailed view of the pelvic
and urinary tract areas to better approximate tumor size, location
within the capsule and to further determine the potential for capsular
penetration and/or escape of tumor cells. It is a procedure not
yet adopted completely by all medical centers and you should have
it done at a facility fully experienced in the technique. A recent
study supports the use of this test as a better predictor for organ-confined
disease.
Prostascint Explained
- What to do in the face of a rising PSA?? The Prostascint Imaging
test can help determine sites of metastasis in soft tissue.
Staging:
After the information is reviewed from the biopsy and pathologist's
report, the tumor is "staged" to give a measure of how
aggressive the growth is and its size in relation to the prostatic
capsule. The results expressed in relation to the information below
MUST be considered very carefully in deciding which treatment therapy
you select.
Gleason
Score - the way in which a pathologist will "grade"
the tumor to determine its aggressiveness and prognosis for successful
primary treatment.
Gleason 7: A New Risk Category
- Dr. Ronald Morton of Baylor talks in depth regarding how a
clinical staging of Gleason 7 requires a unique therapeutic approach
to maximize primary treatment protocols.
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