PSA, FREE & TOTAL

PSA FREE & TOTAL

The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is a blood test.The PSA test can be useful for detecting prostate cancer, monitoring its treatment, or assessing its recurrence.PSA is a chemical that is produced by both cancerous and non-cancerous prostate tissues.

The blood level of PSA is often elevated in men with prostate cancer. PSA test in conjunction with a digital rectal exam (DRE)is used to test asymptomatic men for prostate cancer. Men who report prostate symptoms often undergo PSA testing (along with a DRE) to help doctors determine the nature of the problem.

PSA is mostly found in semen, which also is produced in the prostate. Small amounts of PSA ordinarily circulate in the blood.

Prostate cancer is common, and it is a frequent cause of cancer death. Early detection may be an important tool in getting appropriate and timely treatment. Prostate cancer can cause elevated levels of PSA. However, many noncancerous conditions also can increase the PSA level. The PSA test can detect high levels of PSA in the blood but doesn't provide precise diagnostic information about the condition of the prostate.

 Men with a total PSA in the same range and a free PSA below 10% need to have a biopsy. More likely than not, they have prostate cancer.In some cases, men with a “normal” PSA actually have cancer, but that low PSA doesn’t prompt a biopsy. A low PSA and a low percentage of free PSA, however, probably would. That’s why sometimes both tests are ordered at the same time.