The protein produced by cells of the prostate gland is known as the prostate specific antigen, or PSA.
The test used to measure the levels of PSA in the blood is called the PSA test.
The procedure is relatively simple, your doctor will take a blood sample and the amount of PSA in the blood is measured in a laboratory.
PSA levels produced by the body are sometimes called biological markers or tumor markets since the measured levels of PSA can be used to detect possible problems.
For men, it is normal to have a low level of PSA in the blood.
However, prostate cancer as well as other benign conditions can increase PSA levels in men.
As men get older the prospect of both prostate cancer and benign prostate conditions become more common.
Prostatitis, which is an inflammation of the prostate, and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is an enlargement of the prostate, are the most frequent benign prostate conditions.
It is possible for a man to have one or both of these conditions and to develop prostate cancer as well.
However, there is no medical evidence that prostatitis or BPH will lead to cancer.
Frequent PSA testing is important, but it is does not distinguish between benign prostate conditions and cancer.
However, your physician will take the result of the PSA test into consideration when deciding whether to check further for signs of cancer.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted the use of the PSA test as an aid in detecting prostate cancer in men 50 years of age or older.
Doctors often use the PSA test as a prostate cancer screening tests.
This test can help doctors detect prostate cancer in men who may otherwise show no symptoms of the disease.
The FDA has also allowed for the use of the PSA test to keep an eye on the conditions of patients who have a history of prostate cancer.
Frequent testing will allow doctors to see if the cancer has recurred.
A single elevated PSA test in a patient with a history of prostate cancer does not necessarily mean the cancer has returned.
However, it can be cause for concern and a consultation with your doctor is recommended.
The doctor will most likely recommend repeating the PSA test or performing other tests to check for recurrence.
Repeated PSA tests will help the doctor monitor for a trend of rising PSA levels.
It is important to keep a close eye on your PSA levels in order to catch possible problems early.
Consult your doctor for more information regarding the procedure and benefits of early detection.