Men's Health

Are calcium deposits in the prostate a sign of cancer?

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I've heard that calcium deposits can form in the prostate gland. What are they, and can they indicate cancer?

Calcium deposits in the prostate are often found during a rectal ultrasound done for other reasons. Sometimes they can be seen on a pelvis x-ray. The good news is that the deposits, no matter what the pattern, do not increase the risk for prostate cancer. But their presence does not exclude the possibility of cancer. An elevated PSA, a prostate nodule felt during a rectal exam, or other abnormalities on a prostate ultrasound will determine the need for further evaluation and a possible biopsy.

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