Prostate ultrasound

A prostate ultrasound is usually done because of an abnormal digital exam. Also called a transrectal ultrasound, it is used to detect disorders in the prostate gland. Those abnormalities may be an enlarged prostate, elevated antigen blood test, difficulty urinating, cancer or infertility. If the ultrasound imaging shows a growth of tissue protruding from the gland, a biopsy may be necessary. The exam involves a transducer ( A probe about the size of a finger ) inserted into the rectum a small distance. How does an ultrasound machine work?

You should tell your doctor what medications you take, heart or lung conditions and any allergies you have. You need to wear clothing that is easily removed because you will need to wear a hospital gown. Tell your doctor if you are taking Coumadin, Persantine, Plavix or other blood thinners. You may have to take blood a thinner before the procedure. You cannot take aspirin, products containing aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs ( such as Advil, Motrin, Naprosyn, or Indocin ) up to a week before the procedure. There have been controversial results concerning the benefits of the test results. They have been interpreted in different ways and the images continue to be studied. The tests are still important because the computers are more powerful all the time and can detect more. The uses of

prostate ultrasound will be more beneficial in the future. Back to Ultrasound types.

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