PSA and Prostate Cancer [prostate-specific antigen]

Prostate Cancer Tests

There are many symptoms that might indicate an enlarged prostate or prostate cancer. If you suspect that you are showing signs of these symptoms then you must consult your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor will want to prescribe the most suitable treatment and to do this he will carry out several tests. They should include a PSA prostate cancer test.

The first test is usually a digital rectal exam.  A gloved finger is inserted into the rectum to feel the prostate.  He can feel the size of the prostate and a general idea of its condition.  The next test to be arranged will be the PSA prostate cancer blood test to identify and measure levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA).  A high level of PSA may indicate you have prostate cancer.  The results of a PSA test should only be taken as a possible warning because you can have a high PSA level and yet not have prostate cancer. 

Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is an enzyme found in the blood and manufactured by the prostate gland. The majority of healthy men have levels under 4 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) of blood [see tables below] but levels increase when prostate cancer exists and other prostate medical disorders such as the inflammation or infection of the prostate gland (prostatitis). Levels of PSA will also increase with age as the prostate enlarges and if there is an injury. Lastly, when ejaculation takes place an increased level of PSA is produced to liquify the semen which permits the sperm to swim freely.

The PSA prostate cancer blood test is recognized as the most effective method of detecting prostate cancer.

PSA Levels with Prostate Cancer

There are two distinct types of PSA found in the blood. The first type, Percent-free PSA, moves freely within the blood. The other type is bound or attached to blood proteins. Tests will show the relationship as a percentage between the percent-free PSA present in the blood and the PSA level. Men who have prostate cancer will have a lower percentage of free PSA than men who do not have prostate cancer [see table below].

If your tests show that your PSA levels are within the range 4-10 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL) or expressed as  percent-free PSA: 10% or less then the possibility of you suffering from prostate cancer is in the region 56% . Your doctor is almost certain to arrange a prostate biopsy.

The current situation is that many medical practitioners suggest a prostate biopsy when percent-free PSA is 25% or less.

Prostate Cancer and PSA Test Results*

PSA Velocity

PSA velocity is another aspect of PSA levels that needs to be monitored. In this instance it is not the level that is of prime importance but the rate the level rises. Even if your total PSA value is less than 4 ng/mL, if there is an adnormal rise say: from 2 ng/mL  to 4 ng/mL in 12 months, this would suggest that prostate cancer may be present and a biopsy is needed.

Prostate Cancer and PSA Test Results*

The Prostate specific antigen (PSA) prostate cancer blood test can definitely detect signs of prostate cancer. There are other prostate disorders that carry a high PSA level but are not life threatening. For this reason any test results must be taken as a sign of possible prostate cancer. The results do not show the severity of the disease

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*Possibility of Prostate Cancer based on test results (Modified from Hybridech, Inc.)

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