Prostate specific antigen (PSA)
The most important test is to diagnose the prostate carriage and monitor treatment. It is also used for preventive screening of men over 30 years of age for the early diagnosis of prostate cancer.
Prostate screening not only detects cancer cells, but also assesses the risk of developing the disease. An elevated blood level of the prostate-specific antigen PSA does not always indicate prostate cancer, but can also be caused by other prostate diseases. Blood levels of the antigen are altered in prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia.
The first tests your urologist performs are a PSA blood test, a finger prick test and an ultrasound of the prostate. If the results of the tests suggest prostate cancer, a prostate biopsy is performed. The affected prostate tissue is removed and examined under a microscope to confirm or refute the diagnosis of prostate cancer.
PSA should be performed when symptoms of prostate cancer appear
Although men may have no symptoms in the early stages, the following symptoms may be present later:
- Frequent urination, especially at night.
- Difficulty starting or stopping urination.
- Weak or intermittent urine flow.
- Painful or burning sensation during urination or ejaculation.
- Blood in urine or semen.
You can consult our family doctors.
