How to Interpret Your PSA (Prostate Marker)

The prostate is a gland in men about the size of a walnut. As men age, the prostate can enlarge and/or become "boggy" feeling to the examiner. Men over the age of 40 (or younger with a family history of prostate disease or those that are symptomatic) should have their prostate examined annually by both a digital rectal exam (DRE)--in which the clinician actually feels your prostate for any change in size or masses--and by the prostate specific blood test or PSA. This article will help you to understand Your PSA test results.

Things You'll Need

• PSA blood test
• Digital rectal exam
• Appointment with your primary care clinician

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Instructions

• 1

  The prostate specific antigen is a protein produced by the prostate gland in men. It can elevated due to infection, inflammation, cancer and other conditions. The normal range for a PSA is 1 to 4 ng/mL. You should start having your PSA monitored at age 50 or younger, depending on family history, race and if you're displaying any clinical signs and symptoms.

• 2

  Many clinicians use the following ranges to interpret the PSA level; however, these numbers are not hard and fast. Your clinician will also be looking for signs, symptoms and trends.

• 3

  Many clinicians look for trends in the PSA level. For example, if your PSA is 1 ng/mL on the initial exam, then is 2.0 on the next while the PSA number is still in the "low" range, there has been a 100 percent increase in the PSA level (or marker as it is sometimes called). Your clinician may ask about signs, symptoms or concerns you may have. Your PSA may be repeated again in just a few months.

• 4

  It is good medicine to have your PSA measured annually along with a rectal exam to watch for any changes in your prostate's health.