PSA Test, it stands for Prostate Specific Antigen,
or
PSA for short
Prostatespecific antigen, or PSA, is a protein produced by normal, as well as malignant, cells of the prostate gland. The PSA test measures the level of PSA in a man’s blood. … the use of the PSA test in conjunction with a digital rectal exam (DRE) to test asymptomatic men for prostate cancer is now standard, its quick and easy and if in doubt ask your doctor, if you have any concerns then do it now, not later.
In general, a PSA level that is above 4.0 ng/mL is considered suspicious. … 10.0 ng/mL and above is dangerous and should be discussed with your doctor immediately. It is associated with a 50% chance of having prostate cancer.
Tell me again please, What is the PSA test?
It’s the most common screening tool for prostate cancer is the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. This is a simple blood test that measures the presence of PSA circulating in your bloodstream. This test is usually the first step in any prostate cancer diagnosis. However, the PSA screening by itself cannot tell you if cancer is present.
The PSA test is also used to track the effects of prostate cancer treatment such as surgery, radiation, hormone therapy and chemotherapy. When a man has treatment for prostate cancer, his PSA level will drop significantly. Regular screening with PSA is one of the tools the physician will use to measure if the cancer has returned.
When PSA levels rise to a certain threshold after prostate cancer treatment, this is known as biochemical recurrence. This means that some cancer cells have survived and are producing PSA. If this happens, the doctor will order additional tests and make recommendations for additional treatment.
So what is a Prostate-Specific Antigen?
PSA is a protein produced by prostate cells, which keeps semen in liquid form so that sperm can swim. A simple blood test can measure how much PSA is present in a man’s bloodstream. When a man has prostate cancer, his PSA level increases, which is why the PSA test is used as a screening tool.
However, the levels of PSA can rise due to a number of reasons, including cancer. When PSA is elevated it is a warning sign that you should follow-up on with your doctor.
As is the case with anything involving your health.
If you think some thing “is not right”
If the water works are playing up, maybe blood in the urine (which may be nothing to do with Prostate)
A feeling of “Heaviness” down below
Please go and see your GP now.
Be sensible, be wise, and then be healthy.
Further information on Prostate Cancer can be found HERE on the Trust Board
www.daletrust.co.uk/welfare