Harrison's PodClass: Internal Medicine Cases and Board Prep Ep 153: A 55-Year-Old Here for an Annual Physical
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Jul 3, 2025 A man grapples with prostate cancer fears during his annual physical, sparked by a friend's diagnosis. The hosts dive into the nuances of PSA testing, discussing its critical role in early detection and what influences those levels. They highlight promising preventive strategies, noting the absence of FDA-approved medications despite encouraging trial results. Lifestyle adjustments and dietary choices also emerge as key elements in overarching cancer prevention efforts.
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PSA Is Not Cancer Specific
- PSA is produced by both malignant and non-malignant prostate cells but not exclusively by cancer cells.
- It is prostate specific but not specific to prostate cancer.
PSA Elevation Not from DRE
- Serum PSA levels can rise due to prostatitis, BPH, or cancer but not significantly after a digital rectal exam.
- PSA elevation alone does not confirm prostate cancer without further testing.
Abnormal DRE Not Definitive Cancer
- An abnormal digital rectal exam indicates prostate abnormalities but only 20-25% of such cases have prostate cancer.
- Not all abnormal DRE results mean prostate cancer is present.
