Some information provided by the National Cancer Institute.
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by the cells of the prostate gland. The PSA is measured in the blood to detect possible abnormalities of the prostate gland. Because PSA is produced by the body and can be used to detect disease, it is sometimes called a biological marker or tumor marker.
Levels of PSA
It is normal for men to have low levels of PSA in their blood; however, the level of PSA can elevate in either prostate cancer or in a benign (non-cancerous) condition. As men age the occurrences of benign prostate conditions and of prostate cancer become more likely. The most common benign prostate conditions are prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (enlargement of the prostate).
Elevated PSA levels should be evaluated in conjunction with a prostate examination conducted by a physician. Yearly screening is recommended for men over age 40. Men who are at a higher risk for prostate cancer should begin screening at an earlier age.
Elevated PSA Levels
If a man who has no symptoms of prostate cancer chooses to undergo prostate cancer screening and is found to have an elevated PSA level, the doctor may recommend another PSA test to confirm the original finding. If the PSA level is still high, the doctor may recommend that the man continues with PSA tests and DREs at regular intervals to watch for any changes over time.
If a man’s PSA level continues to rise or if a suspicious lump is detected during a DRE, the doctor may recommend additional tests to determine the nature of the problem. A urine test may be recommended to check for a urinary tract infection.
If prostate cancer is suspected, the doctor will recommend a prostate biopsy. During this procedure, multiple samples of prostate tissue are collected by inserting hollow needles into the prostate and then withdrawing them. Most often, the needles are inserted through the wall of the rectum, however, the needles may also be inserted through the skin between the scrotum and the anus.
There is no specific normal or abnormal level of PSA in the blood. In the past, most doctors considered PSA levels of 4.0 ng/mL and lower as normal. Therefore, if a man had a PSA level above 4.0 ng/mL, doctors would often recommend a prostate biopsy to determine whether prostate cancer was present.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for prostate cancer include family history, race, and possibly diet. Men who have a father or brother with prostate cancer have a greater chance of developing prostate cancer. African-American men have the highest rate of prostate cancer, while Asian and Native American men have the lowest rates. In addition, there is some evidence that a diet higher in fat, especially animal fat, may increase the risk of prostate cancer.
If a man’s PSA level rises after prostate cancer treatment, his doctor will consider a number of factors before recommending further treatment. Contact us if you have any questions or to schedule and appointment.
