PSA

PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen)

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by both cancerous (malignant) and noncancerous (benign) prostate cells. It is a common blood test used to screen for prostate cancer and monitor patients who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

Overview

PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland. Although a small amount of PSA is present in the blood of healthy men, a high level of PSA can be a sign of prostate cancer. However, high PSA levels can also indicate other prostate conditions, such as prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (enlargement of the prostate).

PSA Test

The PSA test measures the level of PSA in a man's blood. The blood level of PSA is often elevated in men with prostate cancer, and the PSA test was originally approved by the FDA in 1986 to monitor the progression of prostate cancer in men who had already been diagnosed with the disease.

Interpretation of PSA Levels

PSA levels are measured in terms of units per volume of fluid tested. The interpretation of the PSA result depends on the context in which it is being used. For example, a higher PSA level in a man with a known diagnosis of prostate cancer may indicate that the cancer is progressing or spreading.

Limitations of PSA Testing

While the PSA test can detect high levels of PSA in the blood, it does not provide information about what is causing the elevated PSA. Other conditions, such as prostatitis or BPH, can also cause high PSA levels. Furthermore, some men with prostate cancer may not have elevated PSA levels.

See Also

• Prostate cancer
• Prostatitis
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia
• PSA test

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