Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

Diagnosis & Early Detection

Because prostate cancer often develops in the peripheral (back) zone of the gland—away from the urethra—it rarely causes urinary symptoms in its early stages. That’s why regular PSA testing, digital rectal exams (DRE), and, when indicated, advanced imaging are so important.

“Seventy percent of prostate cancers begin in the peripheral zone,” explains John Francis, MD, of Columbus Regional Health Urology. “Screening helps us find those cancers before they have a chance to grow or spread.”

How Prostate Cancer is Diagnosed

Diagnosis begins when an elevated PSA, an abnormal DRE, or suspicious MRI findings prompt a closer look. The definitive step is a prostate biopsy—collecting tiny tissue samples for a pathologist to examine under a microscope (Gleason/Grade Group scoring). Additional imaging such as MRI or bone scans may be ordered to stage the disease.

Biopsy Techniques We Offer

• Transrectal Ultrasound (TRUS)–Guided Biopsy – The traditional, widely used approach.
• MRI-Guided Biopsy – Direct, in-bore sampling of MRI-identified lesions.
• MRI/Ultrasound Fusion Biopsy – Combines real-time ultrasound with MRI data for highly accurate targeting.

Shared decision-making is central. Dr. Francis strongly recommends biopsy for patients with PI-RADS 3–5 lesions, PSA density > 0.15 (PSA ÷ MRI prostate volume), or high-risk scores on validated nomograms.

Dedicated Prostate Cancer Nurse Navigator

Treatment Options

Surgery

• Robot-Assisted Radical Prostatectomy – 100 % of our prostate surgeries use the da Vinci® robotic system, allowing precise removal of the prostate and surrounding tissue with smaller incisions and quicker recovery.
• Columbus Regional Health is the only provider in our 10-county market performing robotic prostate surgery locally.

Learn more about Surgical Oncology

Radiation Oncology

• Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) and Image-Guided RT (IGRT) – shape the beam to spare healthy tissue.
• Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) – delivers high-dose treatment in as few as five sessions.
• SpaceOAR™ Hydrogel – placed by our urologists to create a temporary spacer between prostate and rectum, significantly reducing bowel, bladder, and sexual side effects.

Learn more about Radiation Therapy

Medical Oncology

• Hormone (Androgen-Deprivation) Therapy – cornerstone for many intermediate- to high-risk cases.
• Chemotherapy, Immunotherapy, and Targeted Agents – employed alone or in combination for advanced or recurrent disease.
• Treatment plans are individualized based on tumor genetics, stage, and patient goals—and often integrate with surgery or radiation to improve outcomes.

Next Steps & Support

Whether you’re scheduling a biopsy, weighing treatment choices, or seeking a second opinion, our multidisciplinary team is here to help. Call 812-376-5550 to reach Jessica Beaty, your Prostate Cancer Nurse Navigator, or ask your provider for a referral.