Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)
The Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test is a common and effective way to detect prostate cancer. Prostate cancer is the second most common form of cancer in men, and it can be a very serious condition if left untreated.
It’s recommended that all men over the age of 50 should have their PSA levels checked regularly, as early detection can greatly increase the chances of successful treatment.
The National Cancer Institute estimates that prostate cancer mortality rates could be reduced by up to 33% with regular screening and appropriate follow-up care.
Early detection is the key to the effective treatment of prostate cancer. If you’re concerned about your risk of developing prostate cancer, schedule a PSA test with our board-certified urologists at Urology of Greater Atlanta today!
Our highly skilled physicians can provide you with an accurate assessment and ensure you’re in good health. We have multiple locations throughout the state of Georgia. Take the first step in protecting your health and call us today to schedule an appointment!
What Is Prostate-Specific Antigen?
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by the prostate gland, located in the lower abdomen of men. It can be detected through a simple blood test and is used to determine if there may be an enlarged prostate or to monitor for signs of developing prostate cancer.
What Causes a High PSA Level?
A high PSA level (Prostate Specific Antigen) can be caused by benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate gland, infection, injury to the prostate, or prostate cancer.
A high level of PSA does not necessarily mean you have prostate cancer, but it is something to investigate further with your doctor.
If you have had one high PSA reading, your doctor may want to monitor it over time for any changes – specifically looking for a “PSA velocity,” which measures the rate at which the PSA rises over a period of time.
If there is an increase in the rate at which PSA levels rise, this could indicate that there might be prostate cancer, and further tests may need to be done.
What Is a Normal PSA Level?
A normal PSA level for an adult male is less than 4 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL), although this number can vary slightly depending on your age. It’s best to talk to your doctor if you’re concerned about your PSA levels, as they can help monitor and track the changes in order to ensure a healthy prostate.
What Is a PSA Test?
A Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test is a blood test used for prostate cancer screening. It measures the amount of Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) in the blood, which helps healthcare professionals diagnose prostate cancer and monitor the effectiveness of prostate cancer treatment.
The test itself is fairly straightforward: A technician will take a small sample of your blood and then analyze it for its PSA level. It takes only a few minutes for this process to be completed, and you can typically expect results within 1-2 days.
If a PSA test shows higher than normal levels of PSA, it can indicate a potential issue with the prostate, such as an infection or aggressive prostate cancer.
If necessary, a doctor may suggest further tests, including imaging scans or prostate biopsy, to help confirm the diagnosis and/or stage of any existing cancerous cells.
Call Us Today
A Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test is an important screening test for prostate cancer. Early detection through regular PSA tests is critical in order to provide the best chance at successful treatment and recovery.
If you’re due for a prostate cancer screening or have concerns about your prostate health, call Urology of Greater Atlanta or make an appointment online today! We have multiple locations throughout the state of Georgia.
Our team of board-certified urologists is committed to providing the highest quality of care to ensure that you can live a long and healthy life. Take the first step towards protecting yourself and schedule PSA testing with us today.
