PSA Test

The PSA test is a blood test that helps to diagnose prostate cancer. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a substance produced by the prostate gland. High levels of PSA suggest this cancer in the patient or other prostate problems such as prostatitis or an enlarged prostate.

About the Test
Prior to the PSA blood test, the only way to diagnose cancer was through a digital rectal exam; however, the problem was that in the earliest stages of prostate cancer, the digital rectal exam could not detect it. The cancer would have to be large enough to produce a lump that could be felt by the doctor’s finger. Now, with the approval of the PSA blood test by the FDA, the majority of all diagnosed prostate problems cases are in the earliest forms.

The PSA blood test can detect prostate problems at the earliest possible stages. In return, this helps to make the prostate cancer easier to treat and gives patients a higher survival rate. Early stages of prostate cancer that have been diagnosed by the PSA test are treatable and the patient will have over a 95% chance of a relative five-year survival.

Since the approval of the PSA test, the patients’ chances for beating this disease have increased and the death rate has declined. This is because now, most diagnosed cases of prostate cancer are being caught early enough that treatments are working. But the PSA test has caused the diagnosis rate of prostate cancer to rise.

The Test
The PSA test is a relatively simple test that causes little discomfort to the patient. It merely involves getting your blood drawn in a laboratory and waiting a few days to get the results back. Elevated levels of PSA suggest that prostate problems is present. In the past, PSA levels of 4 or below were thought to mean that this cancer was not present in the body; however, now researchers are suggesting lowering that level to the range of 2.5 to 3 as some men have smaller prostates than others and smaller prostates have lower PSA levels.

The PSA test is not perfect. It only suggests that there is something wrong with the prostate gland. Most men who have elevated PSA levels are actually diagnosed with an enlarged prostate gland and the condition is not cancerous. On the other hand, low PSA levels suggest that this type of cancer does not exist; however, in reality, it still can. Regardless of the fact that the PSA blood test is not perfect, it is still used to diagnose the majority of prostate cancer cases in the earliest stages, making the treatment and curability rates to rise.

It is recommended that every man schedule an annual exam with a physician to help locate and diagnose prostate cancer in the earliest stages. Contact your physician to schedule a PSA test today.