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Occult Prostate Cancer

Meaning

Occult Prostate Cancer refers to a clinically localized carcinoma of the prostate gland that is too small or biologically indolent to be detected by standard screening methods, such as a digital rectal exam or initial prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing. The historical concern in hormonal health is that initiating testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in a hypogonadal man could theoretically “unmask” or accelerate the growth of this undetected, hormone-sensitive cancer. While modern evidence suggests that physiological testosterone levels may not promote progression in men with treated, low-risk cancer, screening remains a critical step before commencing therapy.