Prostate Specific Antigen Level – What Does it Mean?

Since prostate cancer is one of the leading cancers in men, early detection is key to the survival of men diagnosed with prostate cancer. Early detection for prostate cancer is a test known as Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA).

Prostate specific antigen is a protein that is produced by the prostate gland and the test measures the amount of the antigen in the blood. It is sometimes known as a tumor market. While an elevated PSA could mean the possibility of the presence of cancer, there are other causes of elevated PSAs. Some other causes of PSA level increases include prostatitis (an infection of the prostate) and an enlarged prostate. Most physicians will take an increase is PSA seriously enough to check further for prostate cancer.

The prostate specific antigen alone is not a valid conclusion for detecting cancer. The PSA test is performed along with a digital rectal exam to check for abnormalities or bumps on the prostate. Sometimes, doctors will use these exams as a screening for men with the potential for prostate cancer, even if they present with no symptoms.

In general, the prostate specific antigen test is not recommended until a man reached the age of 50, unless younger men have a higher risk for prostate cancer. The risks include family history, race and possibly diet.

While an elevated prostate specific antigen level is not a sure sign of cancer, doctors may recommend repeating the test on a regular basis to monitor the fluctuation in the PSA levels. A consistently high level of PSA may warrant additional testing, such as a CT scan and/or possibly a biopsy in order to determine if cancer is present.

As with any cancer, early detection is vital to successful treatment and survival. However, there is controversy over the prostate specific antigen test as it is not clear that this test will “save lives.” Critics say that there are limitations to the test, such as false-positives (high PSA, no cancer) and false-negatives (normal PSA, cancer present) and that just detecting tumors does not increase the chance of survival.

However, advocates will argue the education and proper screening – including available tests – are all positive measures to detect, treat and cure cancer. With advances in medical technology, it is hopeful that the limitations in prostate specific antigen testing will be eliminated and that it will become a leading test for prostate cancer.

Tagged with: Prostate cancer • Prostate specific antigen • PSA

Filed under: Prostate cancer

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