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PSA
and PSA Testing
PSA and PSA Testing
are medical terms related to the male prostate gland
. Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by cells in a man's
prostate gland. The level of this antigen present in the prostate gland can be
measured by a simple blood test.
Many physicians consider the PSA
test a valuable tool to aid in the early detection of prostate cancer and to
monitor the results of treatment approaches to its cure. Generally, the accepted
guidelines for a normal PSA test are 0-4 nanograms. Test results between 4 and
10 are most likely to be associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a
nonmalignant enlargement of the prostate, which is common in men over 40 years
of age, or prostatitis, an inflammation of the prostate. A PSA level over 10 is
thought to be high and suggests further evaluation for possible prostate cancer.
Although the highest PSA values
are generally found in advanced stages of prostate cancer, there have been
reports of very high values as a result of vigorous stimulation of the prostate,
as might occur in a long bike ride. Thus, high PSA readings are not always
indicative of prostatitis or prostate cancer. A high PSA level merely indicates
additional evaluation should be undertaken.
PSA levels are known to be
age-dependent, and deviation from the average range for one's age group may
represent a normal deviation and may or may not be indicative of any disease of
the prostate gland. A simple 7 question symptom index developed and validated by
The American Urological Association is available on line: http://pcimed.com/aua.html.
This index is a useful tool for assessing symptoms related to urinary and
possible prostate problems common in men over 40 years of age.
For more information on PSA
testing and the prostate gland click here or go
directly to: Johns Hopkins Brady Urological Institute Homepage: http://prostate.urol.jhu.edu
Scientific American: Does
screening for prostate cancer make sense? (9/96) - provides an overview of the
controversy and treatment related issues: http://www.sciam.com/0996issue/0996scardino.html
For an opposing viewpoint see:
The Wellness Web Editorial Comment About PSA Screenings: http://www.wellweb.com/prostate/SCREWEB.HTM
USRF - Urological Sciences
Research Foundation - An independent, non-profit organization based in Los
Angeles, dedicated to research and education, focusing on Prostate Diseases and
Impotency: http://www.usrf.org/
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