I Have Had Prostate Infections And Problems Three Or More

Posted on Wed, 4 Dec 2019

Question: I have had prostate infections and problems three or more times over the past 15 years or longer. My prostate is enlarged and they found a cyst in it. however, after 6 months, the cyst appeared smaller or about the same, so they left it alone. I still have some of the symptoms of an enlarged prostate but they are mostly mild. Since it has been 15 years since the last MRI, and I am 36 years old. now, should I get a follow-up MRI to make sure I don't have prostate cancer?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Antoneta Zotaj (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Checks for prostate cancer are not recommended at your age- details below

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to Ask a Doctor service,

I carefully read your query and understand your concern.

Prostate screening (checking for prostate cancer) is not recommended under the age of 45. In some cases, it may be started at age 40 if the patient had a first-degree relative with prostate cancer or is of XXXXXXX XXXXXXX origin.
Also, routine checks to screen for prostate cancer would be PSA blood test and digital rectal exam, not MRI.

So to conclude:
- you are too young to consider prostate cancer screening. It is started after 45 years of age generally or at least after 40 years of age if there are risk factors (explained above)
- If a routine check for prostate cancer would be done this would be a blood test called PSA and a digital rectal exam. MRI is not the test conducted in this case.

I hope I have answered your query and have been helpful to you. I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.

Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng