If an individual shows abnormalities in their prostate cancer screening tests, doctors will continue by diagnosing the patient.  Since prostate cancer often does not show symptoms in its early stages, prostate cancer diagnosis relies on a number of different tests to obtain a proper diagnosis.  Using imaging tests and biopsy procedures, doctors can determine whether or not cancerous cells are present in the prostate, and determine the type of prostate cancer that is present.  Most cases can proceed directly to a treatment procedure and diagnosis and staging.

Transrectal Ultrasound

An ultrasound may sound more familiar for pregnancy tests, but a form of ultrasounds can be used to determine whether or not the cancerous cells have spread past the prostate. The ultrasound can not only depict the presence of cancer, but it also may reveal has spread to any nearby tissue.

Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan

The purpose of a CT scan is to create a cross sectional image of the body. This medical procedure can identify any abnormality to the organs, such as enlarged lymph nodes. Unfortunately, this medical test can not determine whether or not the abnormalities are due to cancer. Therefore, doctors will administer CT scans along with other medical tests, to properly gauge an individual's health. 

Bone Scan

This medical procedure snaps a photograph of an individual's skeleton. This medical test determines whether or not the cancerous cells have spread to the bone. Prostate cancer is unique, in that it can spread to any bone in the body.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

This medical procedure produces the same purpose of a CT scan, but with magnets and radio waves. However, the MRI can detect the possibility of a spread of cancer in the bones or lymph nodes.

Prostate Biopsy

A prostate biopsy is essential in reaching a diagnosis.  In this procedure, a doctor removes a sample of the suspected region.  This sample, taken from the tumor, is then sent to the laboratory where it is studied by a specialist under a microscope.  If cancerous cells are found, the doctor may order additional tests to determine the stage, grade, and Gleason score of the tumor.

Lymph Node Biopsy

Once a CT scan or an MRI scan discovers an enlarged lymph node, a doctor will administer this test. A doctor performs this medical procedure by removing several of the nodes by the prostate for a closer examination. Once the doctor has removed said nodes, a pathologist will examine them through a microscope to determine the damage by prostate cancer.