Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)

The Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test is a common and effective way to detect prostate cancer. 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. 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!

What is a 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 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.

What Happens During a PSA Test?

During a PSA test, a healthcare provider draws a small blood sample, usually from a vein in your arm. The blood sample is then sent to a lab to measure the amount of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) present in your bloodstream. Elevated PSA levels could indicate prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or other conditions related to the prostate gland.

What is Done if the PSA Level is High?

If a PSA test shows higher than normal levels of PSA, it can indicate a potential issue with the prostate, such as an infection, benign prostatic hyperplasia, or aggressive prostate cancer.

To further evaluate, your doctor may recommend additional PSA tests, including a test to measure prostate health index or PSA density. Other tests may include a digital rectal exam (DRE), imaging studies, or a prostate biopsy.

A prostate biopsy involves taking small samples of prostate tissue to diagnose prostate cancer and determine the aggressiveness of any prostate cancer cells found.

The Limitations and Potential Risks of the PSA Test

While PSA testing is valuable for diagnosing prostate cancer, it has some limitations. Elevated PSA levels can be caused by conditions other than prostate cancer, such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or infections. This can lead to unnecessary anxiety and additional testing. Furthermore, not all prostate cancers are life-threatening, and some may never cause symptoms or require treatment.

Overdiagnosis and overtreatment are risks associated with PSA testing, potentially leading to side effects from procedures like a prostate biopsy. Discussing the benefits and risks of PSA testing with your healthcare provider is essential to make an informed decision about prostate cancer screening.

Schedule an Appointment 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, contact our team of professionals at Urology of Greater Atlanta to 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 now!