What does the term "hard prostate" mean?

A Answers (3)

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  A St. Petersburg General Hospital answered

  The term "hard prostate" indicates a firmness of the prostate, which may indicate prostate cancer.
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  A Dr. William P. Springhart, MD , Urology, answered on behalf of Greenville Health System

  A normal prostate has a smooth, soft texture. Cancers in the prostate will make nodules, or “hard” areas, on the prostate’s surface. Your doctor may feel them during a rectal exam.

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  A Dr. Arthur R. Crowley, MD , Urology, answered

  On digital rectal examination (DRE), the normal prostate feels firm (similar to the tip of the nose).  A “hard prostate” (like a rock), may indicate the presence of cancer.  In addition to the DRE, a blood test called PSA (prostate-specific antigen) can help diagnose prostate cancer at an earlier stage.  If the DRE or PSA test is suspicious, a prostate biopsy is usually recommended. 
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