What does the Prostate-Specific Antigen - PSA blood test mean? Get a free analysis of your blood test now. Here's what you get with our free analysis:
The PSA test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen in the blood. It's primarily used to screen for prostate cancer in men and monitor its progression or treatment effectiveness. PSA is a protein produced by both cancerous and non-cancerous tissue in the prostate gland. While elevated levels can indicate prostate cancer, they can also be caused by benign conditions like prostate inflammation or enlargement. The test is controversial due to potential overdiagnosis and overtreatment of slow-growing cancers that may not pose a significant health risk. Regular PSA testing is generally recommended for men over 50, or earlier for those with risk factors. However, the decision to undergo testing should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider, considering individual risk factors and preferences.
A PSA level below the normal range is generally not a cause for concern. In fact, very low PSA levels are typically considered good and indicate a lower risk of prostate cancer. However, in some rare cases, extremely low PSA levels might be associated with certain types of aggressive prostate cancer that don’t produce much PSA. It’s important to note that PSA levels can vary, and a single low reading should be interpreted in the context of an individual’s overall health history and other diagnostic information.
An elevated PSA level (above 4.0 ng/mL) doesn’t necessarily mean cancer is present, but it does warrant further investigation. High PSA levels can be caused by prostate cancer, but also by benign conditions like prostate inflammation (prostatitis), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or recent ejaculation. The higher the PSA level, the more likely that cancer is present. However, confirmation typically requires additional tests, such as a prostate biopsy. It’s crucial to discuss elevated results with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate next steps, which may include repeat testing, further diagnostic procedures, or monitoring over time.