|
 The Prostate
Prostate Gland Enlargement
PSA Test
Prostate Cancer
PSA Test
(Prostate-Specific Antigen Test)
The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test was developed and
approved by the FDA in 1986. It is a test that is designed to
help detect prostate cancer.
PSA is an enzyme that is made by the prostate and acts to
assist in liquefying semen by dissolving the proteins that
promote clumping in semen. A doctor can identify a number of
problems relating to the prostate by testing the amount of PSA
circulating in the bloodstream. This test is performed using a
small blood sample taken from the arm.
Small amounts of PSA in the bloodstream (from 0-4.0 nanograms
per milliliter) is considered normal. What is considered
normal changes in relation to man's age, as PSA levels tend to
climb a small amount with age.
PSA levels higher than 4.0 can indicate a problem with the
prostate, including inflammation, infection, enlargement or
cancer. Approximately 30% of men showing elevated PSA levels
have cancer. It is important to note that some men without any
prostate problems show PSA levels higher than normal, and 20%
of prostate cancers develop while PSA levels are in the
'normal' range.
Professionals have varying opinions on the value of PSA
testing. The test itself is not perfect and carries with it
some risks and benefits. Benefits of the PSA test
include:
-
detecting prostate cancer long
before any symptoms present themselves
-
early detection makes treating
the cancer easier
-
the test has contributed to a
significant reduction in prostate cancer deaths
Some negatives of the PSA
test include:
-
in approximately 20% of cases,
PSA tests show 'normal' PSA levels in men with early prostate
cancer (false-positive)
-
the test itself does not
distinguish between prostate cancer and other prostate
problems
-
2 out of 3 of those with
elevated levels of PSA do not have prostate cancer, causing
undue worry
-
men over the age of 75 do not
benefit from the test, as treating prostate cancer in men past
age 75 is unlikely to lengthen lifespan
The Digital Urology Channel
offers
information about the prostate and prostate gland diseases
and conditions. The
Prostate
Cancer Coalition website is an excellent resource for
those managing the disease. |
