Where is the prostate-specific antigen found?

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein made by cells in the prostate gland (both normal cells and cancer cells). PSA is mostly found in semen, but a small amount is also found in blood. The PSA level in blood is measured in units called nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL).

Can PSA be normal in BPH?

The PSA level also tends to rise in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and is a good marker for prostate volume. PSA levels are usually elevated in men with acute bacterial prostatitis.

Is prostate-specific antigen accurate?

PSA testing was most sensitive (90\%) but least specific (27\%) in older men. Age-specific reference ranges improved specificity in older men (49\%) but decreased sensitivity (70\%), with an LR+ of 1.38. Lowering the PSA cutpoint to 2 ng/ml resulted in a sensitivity of 95\%, a specificity of 20\%, and an LR+ of 1.19.

Can PSA be normal with prostatitis?

The PSA level was found to be elevated during the acute phase of prostatic inflammation, and the elevated, PSA level in the patients with acute prostatitis returned to the normal level within 14 days after initiation of antimicrobial therapy in all 6 patients.

What can cause a false high PSA reading?

Besides prostate cancer, other factors might contribute to elevated PSA levels.

• Age. Share on Pinterest A person’s risk of high PSA levels may increase with age.
• Prostatitis.
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia.
• Medical procedures.
• Urinary tract infection.
• Vigorous exercise.
• Ejaculation changes.

What does a urologist do if your PSA is elevated?

If PSA levels are elevated, the DRE shows abnormalities, and other prostate conditions are eliminated, a prostate biopsy may be the next step. If you are 50 years of age or older, or are in your 40s with a family history of prostate cancer, contact Urology Austin to schedule a prostate screening.

What are the causes of prostate specific antigen?

In addition to prostate cancer, a number of benign (not cancerous) conditions can cause a man’s PSA level to rise. The most frequent benign prostate conditions that cause an elevation in PSA level are prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (enlargement of the prostate).

Can a PSA test be wrong?

A false-positive test result occurs when a man’s PSA level is elevated but no cancer is actually present. A false-positive test result may create anxiety for a man and his family and lead to additional medical procedures, such as a prostate biopsy, that can be harmful.

How often are PSA tests wrong?

PSA has a false positive rate of about 70\% and a false negative rate of about 20\%. Although screening for prostate cancer with PSA can reduce mortality from prostate cancer, the absolute risk reduction is very small.

Can a PSA level go down?

PSA levels can be confusing. They can go up and down for no obvious reason. They can rise after treatment. And levels tend to be higher in older men and those with large prostates.

How to test, diagnose and detect prostate cancer?

Tests to Diagnose and Stage Prostate Cancer Medical history and physical exam. If your doctor suspects you might have prostate cancer, he or she will ask you about any symptoms you are having, such as any urinary PSA blood test. Prostate biopsy. Genetic testing for some men with prostate cancer. Imaging tests for prostate cancer. Lymph node biopsy.