What does PSA level determination involve?
PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) is a glycoprotein produced by cells of glandular epithelium and is used to diagnose and monitor progression of prostate cancer and benign hyperplasia of this gland.
There are no norms regarding PSA concentration in the blood. It is assumed that as PSA levels increase, the risk of detecting prostate cancer in a given man increases.
According to the guidelines of the European Urological Association - PSA levels> 1ng / ml in age 40 or> 2ng / ml in age 60 should provoke the extension of diagnostics.
However, it should be remembered that PSA is also produced by the healthy prostate epithelium, and it is present in the serum of people with a normal gland, with benign prostatic hyperplasia, as well as those with cancer. The serum level of that antigen also plays an important role. It is estimated that cancer diagnosis is confirmed in nearly ¼ of Patients with PSA levels exceeding 4 ng/ml, and in about 2/3 of Patients with PSA levels exceeding 10 ng/ml.
What is the aim of PSA level determination?
This is a diagnostic test for prostate cancer. Despite its limitations and controversies associated with its use as a "screening" test, the PSA level is the most common test in prostate cancer diagnostics. In coming years, modern tests such as PCA3 and 4Kscore®Test will probably replace this test characterised by limited specificity.
What does the PSA level determination involve?
It is due to its lack of specificity that determination of serum levels of this antigen cannot be the only screening test, and therefore PSA levels determination should be combined with transrectal prostate examination (DRE). The PSA test can be supplemented with determination of free PSA fraction. A free:total PSA ratio can help to interpret a normal or abnormal result of the total PSA level.
Who is this scan for?
The test is intended for Patients over the age of 40.
How can I arrange an appointment for the PSA levels determination?
More information on urological treatment can be found at www.szpitalse.pl.
See also
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