|  | Conditions Treatments | Medical Conditions

What Do the PSA Scores Indicate?

A PSA test measures the Prostate-Specific Antigen, a protein produced by cells in the prostate gland. The PSA test gauges the level of antigen in the bloodstream. Doctors take a blood sample, and the amount of PSA is measured by a laboratory. Because PSA is produced by the body, it can be used to detect disease and is sometimes referred to as a biological marker or a tumor marker.

  1. Who Gets Tested

    • Men normally have a low level of PSA in their blood. With increasing age, however, both prostate cancer and non-cancerous (benign) conditions can increase a man's PSA level. As men age, both benign prostate conditions and prostate cancer become more common. For men over 50, the FDA recommends an annual PSA test in conjunction with a digital rectal exam. This provides both an internal and physical means to examine prostate health. Also, it is sometimes recommended for men who may have a higher risk for prostate cancer to begin screening at age 40 or 45. Medicare provides coverage for an annual PSA test for all men ages 50 and older.

    Higher Cancer Risk

    • The most common risk factor increasing a man's chance of developing prostate cancer is age. Approximately 63 percent of prostate cancer cases occur in men age 65 and older. Other risk factors include family history, race and possibly diet. Asian and American Indian men have the lowest rates of prostate cancer; black men have the highest rate. Higher fat diets may also play a role in increasing prostate cancer risk.

    No Normal Number

    • There is no established normal or abnormal PSA level. Moreover, certain factors such as inflammation, may cause PSA levels to fluctuate. PSA values can vary from laboratory to laboratory. In general, however, the higher a man's PSA level, the more likely it is that cancer is present.

    PSA Test Limitations

    • Detecting tumors does not equal saving lives. Though the PSA test will detect small tumors, finding a small tumor does not necessarily reduce a man's chances of dying from prostate cancer. PSA testing also may not aid in detecting a fast-growing or aggressive cancer that already has spread to other parts of man's body.

      False-positive tests don't necessarily indicate cancer. Just 25 to 35 percent of men who have a biopsy due to an elevated PSA level actually have prostate cancer.

    PSA Test Controversy

    • Questions remain about whether the benefits of PSA screening outweigh the risks of followup diagnostic tests and cancer treatments. Potential over-diagnosis puts men at risk of complications from additional treatment. Surgery and radiation therapy can cause incontinence, erectile dysfunction and other complications.

Medical Conditions - Related Articles