On our website, we reference PSA testing as part of the screening options for prostate cancer. So what is PSA testing, and how can it help?
The PSA test is a blood test that measures the blood level of PSA (prostate-specific antigen), a protein produced by the prostate gland. The higher a man’s PSA level, the more likely it is that he has prostate cancer.
That said, there are multiple reasons that a man’s PSA level may be elevated, such as prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate gland), recent medical procedures (such as the placement of a catheter), benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), urinary tract infection, age and recent ejaculation.
If your PSA levels come back high, your doctor will evaluate your other risk factors to determine whether additional testing/procedures are necessary. Other risk factors include age (the risk of prostate cancer increases as you get older), race (African-American males are more prone to prostate cancer than Caucasian or Hispanic men), and family medical history (men with an immediate family member who have prostate cancer have a higher risk than prostate cancer).
If you are 40 years old or older, and have not had your yearly prostate exam yet, or if you are experiencing any prostate symptoms, call Dr. Lawrence Newman—your Las Vegas urology specialist—today to schedule your appointment.