What is a psa test?

Prostate Test: Psa stands for prostate specfic antigen. It is a blood test that helps determine the presence or risk of getting prostate cancer. It can change in various conditions such as infection, inflammation, or cancer. It is a test used as an adjunct to other tests to help identify prostate problems and overall prostate health but is not exclusive for prostate cancer.

Prostate Specific Ag: Prostate-specific antigen (psa) test is a standard test that measures the amount of circulating protein produced by the prostate. It is normal for men to have a low level of psa in their blood; however, prostate cancer or benign (not cancerous) conditions can increase a man’s psa level. Therefore, it is important for men to start yearly screening at or before 50 based on family history.

Controversial test: There is disagreement about whether men should have a psa test for prostate cancer screening. The only consensus is that men over 75 should not have a psa, and that men at high risk for prostate cancer (black men, family history in father or brothers) probably should. For a man at average risk, his doctor should have a detailed conversation about the pros and cons of the psa test.

Prostate: Psa stands for prostatic specific antigen, this is a blood test to evaluate the prostate, it can be elevated when the prostate is enlarged, when the prostate is inflamed, prostate cancer can elevates it, prostate stimulation by rectal exam may elevate the psa also.

Blood test re: pros: Prostate specific antigen is a protein made by prostate cells. Bigger prostate (more cells), tend to higher values. Imperfect test-can have normal psa and have cancer (ca), can have high psa and no ca. Doesn't take the place of a rectal exam. Issues re: growth of the cancer, especially in older (>75 Y.O.) men. Most die with it, not of it. Still some role: blacks, family history, etc. Talk2md.

Prostate test: Psa or prostate specific antigen is a blood test that is used to screen for prostate cancer along with a clinical exam. A cut off value of 4 is often used to offer biopsy for diagnosis. Not all values above 4 are due to cancers and some cancers have psa less than 4. Some recent guidelines have recommended against use of psa to screen for prostate cancer.

Key Test: Prior to prostate specific antigen testing, prostate cancer (cap) was mainly detected at later stages. This lead to lower survival rates. The psa test has allowed for earlier detection, when the disease is more curable and survivable. Controversy exists, however, over whether psa detects some cancers that don't need treatment. Until more informative tests are available, psa remains key in cap.

Psa: Psa is an enzyme in the prostate that liquifies semen after ejaculation. This protein can be detected in blood when the prostate enlarges, has infection, or cancer.

Here are what we....: - first discovered in 1970 from prostate tissue so believed to be prostate-specific, but disproved since it is detected in female breasts, blood, amniotic fluid, etc. - used as a test to suggest if a man has high suspicion for prostate caner, - its intended value and usage have fallen into the hole of professional and industrial profit-taking as out-cried by its discoverer 40 yrs later.

Blood test: A psa test is a simple blood test for men to assess the prostate gland. It can signify prostate diease, prostate cancer, or just benign enlargement of the prostate gland. The blood test is not specific for any of the above. The psa test, along with a digital rectal examination, can assist in detecting prostate cancer.

Blood test: A blood test that measures the level of prostate specific antigen . It is used to screen for prostate cancer, monitor the progression of prostate cancer, or monitor an enlarged prostate.