The prostate ultrasound is for men concerned about developing prostate cancer. A scan is advisable if you are over the age of 50, and one or more of the following applies to you:

• Difficulty in passing urine, frequent or urgent need to pass urine, or need to get up several times in the night to urinate.
• There is blood in your urine.
• A close male relative (brother, father or uncle) has, or has had prostate cancer.
• Several females in your family have had breast cancer, particularly at a young age.
• Your blood test has detected a high PSA (prostate-specific antigen) level.

Approximately 21,500 men over the age of 50 are diagnosed with prostate cancer in the UK every year. Unlike most cancers, small areas of cancer in the prostate are common as men become older but can remain dormant for many years. Most of these cancers grow extremely slowly and in the majority of cases, will never cause any problems. However some do grow more quickly and can spread to other parts of the body, particularly the bones.

The most effective way of detecting the early signs of prostate cancer is a combination of a PSA blood test and a prostate ultrasound.

An abnormally high level of PSA in the blood is an indicator of possible prostate cancer although it is not definitive. High PSA levels can also indicate other prostate diseases such as benign prostatic hypertrophy or prostatitis (inflamed prostate).

The ultrasound examination is important in determining whether there is any enlargement of the prostate, or any abnormal nodules present. Larger tumours can often also be felt by a rectal examination by a urologist.

As only a few millimetres of tissue separate the rectum and the prostate, this examination is best performed transrectally for accuracy and sensitivity of any findings. Pictures are acquired using a transrectal probe which is smooth and approximately the size of an index finger.

You will need to ensure that you have had a bowel motion beforehand so that your rectum area is empty when you come for your appointment.

For the ultrasound itself, you will be asked to remove your underwear and lie on a couch on your left side. A blanket or sheet will be provided for your comfort and modesty. Although the ultrasound probe may feel a little uncomfortable when first inserted into the rectum, it should not hurt or be unpleasant in any way. The examination takes just 10 to 15 minutes to complete.