Rising PSA Doesn't Always Mean Cancer
If you are a man in your 50's, you should have an annual PSA test as part of your annual physical. The PSA test is used to screen for prostate cancer by measuring levels of "prostate-specific" antigens. If your results indicate levels higher than the norm, don't panic.
When trying to understand the significance of the PSA, it is important to remember that the PSA goes up with any irritation or inflammation. Prostatitis, an old infection or inflammation, or enlargement of the prostate gland can push the PSA up.
When I have a patient in this situation, I also use a free/total PSA test (lower percents are bad) and the new urine test, UPM3l. There are times where a man's PSA rises up and then stays stable, with no evidence of cancer. Just to be sure, there should be no findings of atypia or high grade PIN, as these are suggestive of an underlying cancer.
If all looks good, then work with your doctor to monitor the PSA regularly and only get excited if it starts to climb with no signs of infection.
Related Topics: Vitamin D May Fight Prostate Cancer, Frequent Ejaculation Good for Prostate
When trying to understand the significance of the PSA, it is important to remember that the PSA goes up with any irritation or inflammation. Prostatitis, an old infection or inflammation, or enlargement of the prostate gland can push the PSA up.
When I have a patient in this situation, I also use a free/total PSA test (lower percents are bad) and the new urine test, UPM3l. There are times where a man's PSA rises up and then stays stable, with no evidence of cancer. Just to be sure, there should be no findings of atypia or high grade PIN, as these are suggestive of an underlying cancer.
If all looks good, then work with your doctor to monitor the PSA regularly and only get excited if it starts to climb with no signs of infection.
Related Topics: Vitamin D May Fight Prostate Cancer, Frequent Ejaculation Good for Prostate
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