- What Is a PSA Blood Test?
- The PSA test measures the amount of Prostate-Specific Antigen in your blood. PSA is a protein produced by both normal and cancerous cells in the prostate gland.
- The test is primarily used as a screening tool to detect prostate cancer early, but it is also useful for monitoring patients already diagnosed with prostate conditions.
- How PSA Levels Are Interpreted:
- Normal Range: Typically, PSA levels below 4 ng/mL are considered normal, though this can vary with age.
- Elevated PSA Levels: Higher PSA levels (above 4 ng/mL) can indicate several conditions, including:
- Prostate cancer
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): Non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate
- Prostatitis: Inflammation or infection of the prostate
- A higher PSA level doesn’t always confirm cancer but raises the need for further testing, such as a prostate biopsy.
- When Is a PSA Test Recommended?
- Men aged 50 and above, particularly those with a family history of prostate cancer, are often advised to have PSA screening.
- African American men, who are at higher risk, may benefit from earlier screening around age 45.
- Limitations of PSA Testing:
- PSA tests can result in false positives (elevated PSA without cancer) or false negatives (normal PSA despite cancer). Other factors, such as urinary tract infections or certain medications, can influence PSA levels.
- Conclusion:
- PSA testing is a valuable tool in prostate cancer detection but should be interpreted alongside other diagnostic methods, including digital rectal exams (DRE) and imaging.
Recommended Tests
- Free PSA Test: This test measures the amount of unbound PSA in your bloodstream and helps differentiate between prostate cancer and benign prostate conditions. It is often recommended if your total PSA levels are slightly elevated.
- Luteinizing Hormone (LH) Test: This test can provide insights into overall hormone levels that may impact prostate health, especially in the context of hormone therapy for prostate cancer.
