Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by the prostate gland. A PSA test measures the amount of PSA in a man’s blood. Elevated levels of PSA can be a sign of prostate cancer or other prostate conditions.

Understanding how to interpret PSA results can help you make informed decisions about your health. Here’s what you need to know.

What is a PSA Test?

A PSA test is a blood test that measures the amount of PSA in a man’s blood. The test is used to screen for prostate cancer and to monitor the progress of the disease in men who have been diagnosed with it.

PSA is produced by both normal and cancerous prostate cells, so elevated levels of PSA do not necessarily mean a man has prostate cancer. However, high levels of PSA can indicate the presence of cancer or other prostate conditions, such as prostatitis or an enlarged prostate.

How is a PSA Test Done?

A PSA test is a simple blood test that can be done at a doctor’s office or clinic. The test involves drawing blood from a vein in your arm.

You will be asked to refrain from ejaculating for 48 hours before the test, as ejaculation can temporarily raise PSA levels. Your doctor may also advise you to avoid riding a bicycle, using a motorcycle, or exercising vigorously for 48 hours before the test because these activities can also raise PSA levels.

What Do PSA Results Mean?

PSA test results are typically reported as nanograms of PSA per milliliter (ng/mL) of blood.

Generally, a PSA level of 4 ng/mL or lower is considered normal, while levels between 4 and 10 ng/mL are considered elevated and may indicate the presence of prostate cancer or other prostate conditions. Levels above 10 ng/mL are considered high and are more likely to be caused by cancer.

However, it’s important to note that PSA levels can be affected by other factors besides cancer or prostate conditions.

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For example, PSA levels can also be elevated by a urinary tract infection, a recent prostate biopsy, or a recent prostate massage. Certain medications, such as finasteride or dutasteride, can also lower PSA levels, so it’s important to tell your doctor about any medications you are taking.

What Are the Limitations of PSA Testing?

PSA testing has some limitations that are important to be aware of. First, elevated PSA levels do not necessarily mean a man has prostate cancer. In fact, most men with elevated PSA levels do not have cancer.

Moreover, some men with prostate cancer have normal PSA levels, so a normal PSA result does not completely rule out the possibility of cancer.

Second, PSA testing can lead to overdiagnosis and overtreatment of prostate cancer. This is because PSA testing can detect very small, slow-growing tumors that may never cause any symptoms or become life-threatening.

However, once these tumors are detected, men may undergo unnecessary treatment, such as surgery or radiation, that can have significant side effects, such as urinary incontinence or impotence.

How Do Doctors Use PSA Results?

Doctors use PSA results in conjunction with other factors, such as a man’s age, family history, and overall health, to assess his risk of prostate cancer.

For example, if a man has a PSA level of 6 ng/mL and no other risk factors, his doctor may recommend monitoring his PSA levels over time or performing other tests, such as a digital rectal exam or a prostate biopsy, to confirm whether he has cancer. However, if the man has a PSA level of 8 ng/mL and a family history of prostate cancer, his doctor may be more likely to recommend a biopsy.

Conclusion

PSA testing can be a valuable tool in screening for prostate cancer and monitoring the disease in men who have been diagnosed with it.

However, it’s important to understand that PSA testing has limitations and should be used in conjunction with other factors to make informed decisions about your health. If you have questions or concerns about PSA testing or your prostate health, talk to your doctor.