Why should I have a digital rectal exam if my PSA result is abnormal?

You should have a digital rectal exam if your prostate specific antigen (PSA) test is abnormal because a digital rectal exam can help your doctor determine the cause of your abnormal PSA test. An abnormal PSA level can have various causes, such as enlargement of the prostate (benign prostate hyperplasia, or BPH), inflammation of the prostate or prostate cancer. 

You should have a digital rectal exam if your prostate specific antigen (PSA) result is abnormal because the digital rectal exam can detect prostate cancer very early. Prostate cancer is no different than any other cancer in the sense that when it is found early, it is curable. The digital exam is quick and easy. It takes about ten seconds, with a minimal amount of discomfort.  

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