Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by the prostate gland. Its levels can be detected through a blood test known as a PSA test.
An elevated PSA level could indicate prostate cancer , an enlarged prostate, or other common problems with this gland in the male reproductive system. It can also be a side effect of certain medications. Whatever the cause of the high PSA levels, it's essential to see a doctor.
In this article, we will see what the PSA test is for, in what cases it is recommended to undergo this study, how it is performed, and how the results should be interpreted.
What is the PSA test used for?
The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is often used to detect cancer before the first symptoms of prostate cancer develop . However, most cases of prostate cancer grow very slowly.
An antigen test cannot differentiate between abnormal levels caused by prostate cancer and those caused by other non-cancerous conditions. Furthermore, this test cannot distinguish between a relatively slow-growing cancer and one that can spread rapidly. On its own, the test could encourage you to seek prostate cancer treatment that you don't need, which could lead to side effects.
Therefore, if you have elevated PSA levels, you will need to undergo further tests to confirm the cause. And with the help of your doctor, you will need to be assessed for a higher risk of developing prostate cancer and the best treatment for you if you already have it.
In what cases is the PSA test for the prostate recommended?
A specialist might recommend a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test in the following scenarios:
- You are over 50 years old.
- A member of your family has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
- Do you suffer from pain when urinating or do it very frequently, detect blood in your urine or semen, or feel constant discomfort in your pelvis?
- You have been diagnosed with prostate cancer and the healthcare professional wishes to evaluate the progression of the disease or the effectiveness of the treatment.
How is a PSA test performed?
To perform an antigen test, the doctor will make a puncture in your arm to extract a blood sample.
To prepare properly for this test, you must abstain from sexual intercourse and masturbation for 24 hours beforehand. This is because semen production can increase your prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and affect the results. For the same reason, it is essential that you tell the specialist what medications you are currently taking.
A PSA test for the prostate carries minimal risks. You may feel some pain or discomfort, or a bruise may appear where the needle is inserted.
How to interpret PSA results?
There are no definitive levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) that are considered normal or abnormal. Generally, the higher your PSA level, the more likely you are to have prostate cancer or another condition, such as an infection or enlargement. However, it is possible to have a high PSA level without any health problems, and vice versa.
As mentioned earlier, additional tests are required to diagnose the exact cause of elevated PSA levels. These include:
- A new prostate-specific antigen test, especially if you don't have symptoms that suggest a prostate disease.
- A rectal exam to check for lumps or any abnormalities in the prostate.
- A urine test to detect an infection.
- A prostate biopsy involves extracting tissue samples from the prostate gland for examination under a microscope. At ROC Clinic, we are pioneers in offering patients this procedure. prostate biopsy by real fusion of PET-MRI-PSMA imagesA diagnostic advancement that combines PET-MRI-PSMA guided imaging with fusion ultrasound, allowing biopsies to be taken directly over the lesion, thus obtaining more reliable diagnoses. And as they state in our prostate cancer specialists"This technology allows us to perform a biopsy in the operating room with the advantage of being able to see an image of the tumor and very precisely plan the areas to be biopsied. In this way, we obtain very complete information about the location and size of the tumor."
In conclusion, the PSA test for the prostate can be very useful in detecting or ruling out prostate conditions (including prostate cancer) before symptoms appear, studying the development of the condition, or verifying whether a certain treatment is working.
However, it's important to emphasize that the results of this test are not conclusive. Only a urologist specializing in prostate cancer can tell you what elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels mean and advise on the next steps.
