PSA Test
The PSA test is a blood test that helps to diagnose prostate cancer. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a substance produced by the prostate gland. High levels of PSA suggest this cancer in the patient or other prostate problems such as prostatitis or an enlarged prostate.
About the Test
Prior to the PSA blood test, the only way to diagnose cancer was through a digital rectal exam; however, the problem was that in the earliest stages of prostate cancer, the digital rectal exam could not detect it. The PSA blood test can detect prostate problems at the earliest possible stages.
The Test
The PSA test is a relatively simple test that causes little discomfort to the patient. Elevated levels of PSA suggest that prostate problems is present. The PSA test is not perfect. Most men who have elevated PSA levels are actually diagnosed with an enlarged prostate gland and the condition is not cancerous. Contact your physician to schedule a PSA test today.
What is the Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Test?
The protein produced by cells of the prostate gland is known as the prostate specific antigen, or PSA. The test used to measure the levels of PSA in the blood is called the PSA test. As men get older the prospect of both prostate cancer and benign prostate conditions become more common.
Frequent PSA testing is important, but it is does not distinguish between benign prostate conditions and cancer. Doctors often use the PSA test as a prostate cancer screening tests. This test can help doctors detect prostate cancer in men who may otherwise show no symptoms of the disease.
Frequent testing will allow doctors to see if the cancer has recurred. A single elevated PSA test in a patient with a history of prostate cancer does not necessarily mean the cancer has returned. Repeated PSA tests will help the doctor monitor for a trend of rising PSA levels.
Is Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Testing For Prostate Cancer Worthwhile?
PSA testing is quick and easy as it is a simple blood test looking for the presence in the blood of a specific protein produced by the prostate gland. In the presence of cancer production of this protein rises and, as the cancer progresses, so the level of the prostate specific protein in the blood increases. Accordingly, once a PSA score reaches 10 your doctor will want to monitor PSA levels carefully as this is an initial indicator of a possible developing problem.
If your PSA score continues to rise then additional and more specific tests will normally be recommended. Prostate specific antigens appear in two forms within the blood. Today it is possible to test for both by measuring the total amount of PSA in the blood and by measuring only free PSA in the blood. Perhaps the biggest controversy today is not over whether men should undergo regular (annual) PSA testing which almost all physicians today recommend, but at what age such testing should begin.
Both The American Cancer Society and The American Urological Association recommend testing for all men over the age of 50 and testing for men in ‘at risk’ categories from the age of 40 onwards. For example, if a 40 year old man has a normal initial PSA score of 4 then he may decide to leave further testing for 2 or 3 years. What is important is that every man should be tested regularly and you should not put off testing for too long.
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