PSA, known as PSA antigen, is an enzyme produced by prostate cells whose concentration may indicate changes in the prostate, such as prostatitis, benign prostate hypertrophy, or prostate cancer, for example. The PSA test is simple and painless and is performed in the lab by taking a small blood sample.
In general, healthy men have total PSA values less than 4 ng/ml, but this value may be modified or increased slightly depending on the age and laboratory where the test was performed. In addition, the increase in total PSA concentration is not always indicative of prostate cancer and more tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis.
- However.
- In the case of prostate cancer.
- The psa value may also remain normal and.
- Therefore.
- Suspected cancer should always be confirmed by other diagnostic tests.
- Such as rectal touch.
- MRI and biopsy.
In general, when an individual has a total PSA value greater than 4.0 ng/ml, it is recommended to repeat the test to confirm the value, and if it is maintained, it is critical to perform further tests to confirm the diagnosis and identify the cause. Learn more about other tests to evaluate your prostate.
In most cases, the higher the total PSA value, the greater the suspicion of prostate cancer, so when the value is greater than 10 ng/ml, the chances of developing prostate cancer are 50%. The value of PSA may vary with age, people’s habits, and the lab where the test was performed. In general, PSA reference values are:
However, in some cases, a man with a PSA of 2 ng /ml and with nodules in rectal touch is more likely to have prostate cancer than the person who only has the highest value without altering rectal touch, for example.
To really know if there is a change in the prostate, the community recommends measuring the free PSA and the relationship between free PSA and total PSA, which is critical for prostate cancer diagnosis.
Generally, when the patient has a total PSA between 2.0 and 10 ng /ml, the urologist indicates that the PSA test should be performed, as there is a high probability of developing prostate carcinoma. From the result of free and total PSA, a relationship is established between these two results to check whether the modification of the prostate is benign or malignant, in which case a prostate biopsy is recommended.
When the proportion of free and total PSA is greater than 20%, this indicates that the enlarged prostate is benign, which may indicate that you are developing benign diseases, such as benign prostate hypertrophy or urinary tract infection, for example. However, when this ratio is less than 20% it usually indicates prostate cancer and a prostate biopsy is recommended to confirm the diagnosis and start treatment, which in some cases is done through radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Understand how prostate biopsy is performed.
The urologist can also assess the density and speed of the PSA, the higher the density of the PSA, the greater the suspected presence of prostate cancer and, in the case of the PSA speed value, increases by more than 0.75 ng/ml per year. or increasing very quickly is essential to re-test, as this may indicate cancer.
Several situations can result in an increase in the psa value, such as:
In addition to these most common causes, advanced age, cycling and intake of certain medications, such as male hormones such as testosterone, can cause an increase in PSA.
Typically, the urologist indicates a PSA blood test for urinary changes, during treatment of prostate cancer and after surgery, and in all men at least once a year from age 45.