PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) is a protein produced by the prostate gland and commonly measured in the blood as a marker for prostate health. Elevated PSA levels may indicate prostate cancer but can also result from non-cancerous conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostatitis.
Testing PSA levels can be beneficial for:
Elevated PSA levels themselves do not cause any symptoms. Instead, they may indicate an underlying condition affecting the prostate. However, it’s important to note that a high PSA level does not always signify a serious condition like prostate cancer. Conditions that can lead to elevated PSA levels include:
Total PSA and free PSA are two different measurements used in the evaluation of prostate health, particularly in the context of screening for prostate cancer.
Several factors can affect PSA levels. Understanding these factors is important for interpreting PSA test results accurately: