What is PSA?

PSA or prostate-specific antigen is produced by the prostate gland; it is essentially a protein and is found in the blood. Men with prostate cancer have higher antigen blood levels than normal. This type of test is done to measure the level of this antigen in the blood. The use of this test is approved by the FDA to detect the presence of prostate cancer in older men. The cancer test for prostate cancer is also approved by the FDA for patients with prostate cancer history in order to check if there is recurrence of the cancer.

If a man’s level of this particular particle is very high it is possible that cancer is present though there could be other reasons for the elevation. Several factors are taken into account by doctors while taking the cancer of the prostate testing. Blood samples are usually taken during the this type of cancer testing and the antigen amount is measured in a lab. Prostate-specific antigen is also called a “tumor marker” or a “biological marker” because it is utilized to detect diseases and is produced by body cells.

Men usually have a low level of this particle in the blood but cancerous or benign tumors can increase the man’s PSA level. As a man gets older prostate cancer levels are common. Some of the harmless and benign cancer conditions are:
• Inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis)
• Enlargement of the prostate (BPH – benign prostatic hyperplasia).

These levels alone do not give the doctor enough information to determine whether the patient has a benign prostate condition or cancer. However, a test such as this and the results will be taken into consideration when checking for signs of prostate cancer.

Why are these tests done?

Doctors use the DRE (Digital rectal exam) and the PSA tests to help detect the presence of prostate issues in men that show no symptoms. If a man’s PSA levels begin to rise then it could be a sign of recurrence of cancer especially if the man has a history of this type of cancer. However, just one high PSA test level does not necessarily mean that the cancer has returned. A man with a history of this type of cancer should see his doctor about his increased level that has been detected during a cancer of the prostate PSA test. The doctor most probably will recommend that a second cancer test be taken to confirm a recurrence.

A man receiving hormonal therapy for prostate cancer is bound to have these levels that are low soon after or during his treatment. This may not be an accurate measure of his PSA level and thus the man should consult his doctor who may then advise waiting for a period after undergoing hormonal treatment before taking a prostate cancer test.

Recommendations by doctors for taking these types of tests vary. While some encourage men over 50 years of age to have yearly screening others advise high risk men for prostate cancer to start screening at 40 to 45 years. Still others advise against any type of routine screening. Every man must be aware of the benefits and risks involved in these types of tests.

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