What is Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA)?
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by the prostate gland. It is normally found in small amounts in the blood. However, levels of PSA can rise when the prostate gland is enlarged, inflamed, or cancerous.
What is the purpose of the PSA test?
The PSA test is used to screen for prostate cancer. It is not a perfect test, but it can help to identify men who may need further testing, such as a biopsy.
Who should get a PSA test?
The American Cancer Society recommends that men aged 50 to 70 should talk to their doctor about the pros and cons of PSA testing. Men who are at high risk for prostate cancer, such as African Americans and men with a family history of the disease, should start getting tested at age 45.
How is the PSA test done?
The PSA test is a simple blood test. A small amount of blood is drawn from a vein in your arm and sent to a laboratory for ***ysis.
What do the PSA test results mean?
PSA levels can vary depending on a number of factors, including age, race, and prostate size. Normal PSA levels are typically less than 4 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) of blood. However, PSA levels can be higher in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, or prostate cancer.
A PSA level of 4 ng/mL or higher does not necessarily mean that you have prostate cancer. However, it does mean that you should talk to your doctor about further testing.
What are the risks of the PSA test?
The PSA test is a safe procedure. However, there are some potential risks, including:
False positives: The PSA test can sometimes give a false positive result, which means that it suggests that you have prostate cancer when you do not. This can lead to unnecessary anxiety and further testing.
False negatives: The PSA test can also sometimes give a false negative result, which means that it suggests that you do not have prostate cancer when you do. This can lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Overdiagnosis: The PSA test can sometimes lead to the overdiagnosis of prostate cancer. This means that you may be diagnosed with prostate cancer that would never have caused any symptoms or problems.
What are the alternatives to the PSA test?
There are a number of alternatives to the PSA test, including:
Digital rectal exam (DRE): A DRE is a physical exam of the prostate gland. It can help to identify enlarged or abnormal areas of the prostate.
Prostate MRI: A prostate MRI is a imaging test that can provide detailed images of the prostate gland. It can help to identify tumors and other abnormalities.
Biopsy: A biopsy is a procedure in which a small sample of tissue is removed from the prostate gland and examined under a microscope. It is the only way to definitively diagnose prostate cancer.
What should I do if my PSA levels are high?
If your PSA levels are high, your doctor will recommend further testing to determine the cause. This may include a DRE, a prostate MRI, or a biopsy.
If you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, your doctor will work with you to develop a treatment plan. Treatment options for prostate cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, and chemotherapy.
What is the outlook for men with high PSA levels?
The outlook for men with high PSA levels depends on a number of factors, including the stage of the cancer, the grade of the cancer, and the man's overall health. Treatment can help to improve the outlook for men with high PSA levels.
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