PROSTATE SPECIFIC ANTIGEN

Description

  • Normal: < 4 ng/ml
  • Borderline: 4 -10 ng/ml

Clinical significance

  • Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a tumor marker. It is considered to be the most remarkable marker available for diagnosis and management of Prostatic carcinoma. 
  • Prostate- specific antigen (PSA) is a glycoprotein produced primarily by the epithelial cells that line the acini and ducts of the prostate gland. PSA exists in two main forms in the blood; free and complexed .The most frequently used test is Total PSA. When the prostate is enlarged, infected, or hosting a tumor, PSA levels generally increase. 
  • The cells lining the centre or lumen manufacture prostate secretions including PSA. There is also a circle around the cells, called the basement membrane, which stops PSA and other secretions from entering the blood stream. That is how the prostate makes a lot of PSA but only a particular amount normally is found in the blood.
  • The cells will continue to manufacture PSA if they are in locations outside the prostate. PSA levels in the blood go up if the balance between the epithelium and the bloodstream is damaged. Three typical sources for damage are: cancer, bacterial infection, prostate infarction or destruction of part of the prostate by damage to its blood supply. 
  • Minor elevation of the PSA level sometimes due to cancer, but normally a little PSA leaks from the prostate into the blood. If the prostate is enlarged then leakage appears exaggerated. PSA can be slightly abnormal in men with enlarged prostates who do not have cancer.

When to get tested

  • When there are symptoms of BPH, Prostatic cancer (difficult, painful, and/or frequent urination, back pain, pelvic pain )

Elevated level

  • Prostate Cancer
  • Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
  • Prostatitis
  • Prostate Inflammation, Trauma or manipulation
  • Prostatic Infarction 
  • Transurethral resection

Decreased level

Profile

Cancer

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