PSA Level
PSA, or also called as prostate-specific antigen, is a substance secreted by the cells found in the prostate gland.
It is mostly present in semen of most men and a small amount in blood, and is often gets higher in the presence of other disorders especially prostate cancer.
In measuring the amount of PSA, blood test is considered the most effective test currently available for the early detection of prostate cancer, but the effectiveness of this has been questioned.
Nanograms per millimeter of blood are used in measuring PSA.
Most number of men has a PSA level of under 4 nanograms, anything higher than this is an indication of prostate cancer.
A level of PSA that is from 4 to 10 shows a 25% probability that it is a prostate cancer, this is based from American Cancer Society.
PSA higher than 10, gets a higher possibility of getting prostate cancer to 50% and up.
Yet, it is important to know that the PSA test is not perfect.
The majority of men with high PSA levels don't have not cancerous kind enlarged prostate, which is a just natural on aging development.
We should always remember that PSA tests are notorious for providing false positives.
Digital rectal exam and biopsy are other tests that may be also performed for further evaluation of prostate cancer.
These are the several factors that can also elevate the PSA: ejaculation (should have no ejaculation at least two days before the test), PSA levels usually increases during aging, prostate gland inflammation, enlarged prostate that are not cancerous, certain medications and herbal supplements are also taken into consideration because these can lower your PSA level falsely.
Always let your physician know what meds you are taking prior the test.
Men with elevated PSA values can also consider biopsy as other test, some authorities suggested to make another PSA test after a week.
Infection and other prostate situation can cause temporary elevation of PSA.
Most half of men with a high level of PSA usually go back to normal condition.
Antibiotic is prescribed by other physicians if there is presence of prostate infection.
It is mostly present in semen of most men and a small amount in blood, and is often gets higher in the presence of other disorders especially prostate cancer.
In measuring the amount of PSA, blood test is considered the most effective test currently available for the early detection of prostate cancer, but the effectiveness of this has been questioned.
Nanograms per millimeter of blood are used in measuring PSA.
Most number of men has a PSA level of under 4 nanograms, anything higher than this is an indication of prostate cancer.
A level of PSA that is from 4 to 10 shows a 25% probability that it is a prostate cancer, this is based from American Cancer Society.
PSA higher than 10, gets a higher possibility of getting prostate cancer to 50% and up.
Yet, it is important to know that the PSA test is not perfect.
The majority of men with high PSA levels don't have not cancerous kind enlarged prostate, which is a just natural on aging development.
We should always remember that PSA tests are notorious for providing false positives.
Digital rectal exam and biopsy are other tests that may be also performed for further evaluation of prostate cancer.
These are the several factors that can also elevate the PSA: ejaculation (should have no ejaculation at least two days before the test), PSA levels usually increases during aging, prostate gland inflammation, enlarged prostate that are not cancerous, certain medications and herbal supplements are also taken into consideration because these can lower your PSA level falsely.
Always let your physician know what meds you are taking prior the test.
Men with elevated PSA values can also consider biopsy as other test, some authorities suggested to make another PSA test after a week.
Infection and other prostate situation can cause temporary elevation of PSA.
Most half of men with a high level of PSA usually go back to normal condition.
Antibiotic is prescribed by other physicians if there is presence of prostate infection.
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