Prostate Cancer Diagnosis With The PSA
Test
There are many prostate cancer tests that can be
performed and used determine whether or not a man has prostate
cancer as well how far along the cancer has progressed.
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These tests are necessary in order to help
doctors proceed to the next step in diagnosis and treatment
of the disease. Initially, tests used to identify prostate
cancer are noninvasive, such as the Prostate-Specific
Antigen, or PSA, test. If a patient has abnormally high PSA
levels, then further testing, including biopsies are usually
necessary to conclusively provide a diagnosis of prostate
cancer.
As a man ages, his doctor will likely perform a PSA test,
which is a simple blood test, as part of his exam physical.
If a man is over 50 years in age, a digital rectal exam, or
DRE, should also be performed to help determine the
condition of the prostate. To perform the PSA test, a small
blood sample is required, which is normally taken from the
arm of the individual. As a matter of fact, this testing is
often offered free of charge at many health fairs these days
in an effort to reduce prostate cancer related deaths.
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Once a blood sample is procured, it is sent to a
laboratory to measure levels of the prostate-specific antigen,
or PSA. The prostate-specific antigen is a protein that is
produced only by the prostate in males. This simple testing is
one of the most effective ways to detect elevated PSA levels in
the bloodstream.
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Although elevated PSA levels are not
necessarily an indication of the presence of prostate
cancer, it a huge help in the screening process for
identifying those at risk of prostate cancer.
Normal PSA levels are in the 0 to 4 ng/ml range. PSA levels
over 4 ng/ml are considered to worrisome or borderline and
require further monitoring. PSA levels that are over 10 ng/mL
are considered to be at an abnormally high level. Though
high PSA levels can be an indication of prostate cancer, the
elevated levels can be also be a sign of infection or
enlargement of the prostate. However, a man with low PSA
levels may have prostate cancer, especially if he is taking
medication that interferes with PSA levels.
Often, doctors will monitor the PSA level over time. This is
called the Velocity of the PSA, which is commonly done when
levels are between 4 and 10 ng/mL.
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Often, when these PSA
levels are a cause for concern, the only way to understand
what is happening within the prostate is through a biopsy. A biopsy is usually performed when elevated
levels of PSA are present and there are risk factors for the
patient. Testing for prostate cancer may not be a considered
pleasant ordeal, but it is quite necessary nonetheless in the
fight against prostate cancer.
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