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Prostate Cancer - Diagnosis
How Is Prostate Cancer Diagnosed?
variety of excellent tests are available to screen for and diagnose
prostate cancer. They include:
- PSA test
- Digital rectal exam
- MRI scan
- CT scan
- Biopsy
PSA Test
One of the most effective methods for screening for prostate cancer is the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. This blood test measures a prostate-produced protein that is typically found in blood. Men with prostate
pancreatic cancer will have more of this protein in their blood.
The PSA test is reported in nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml).
- A PSA count of 0 to 4 ng/ml is considered below normal (and in some men, 1.0 or 2.0) is normal.
- A PSA count of 4 to 10 ng/ml is considered slightly elevated.
- A PSA count of 10 to 20 ng/ml is considered moderately elevated.
- Anything above 20 ng/ml is considered highly elevated.
However, one abnormal PSA test does not necessarily mean that other diagnostic tests must be performed immediately.
Factors other than cancer can cause PSA levels to fluctuate. In this case, the
doctor may suggest repeating the PSA test a short time later to see if the level returns to normal. When PSA
levels continue to rise over time, other tests may be indicated.
Need To Know:
A man does not necessarily have prostate cancer just because his PSA is elevated. Higher-than-normal
PSA levels can be caused by diseases other than cancer, such as an infection or a benign enlargement of
the prostate. The PSA test is not 100% accurate.
- When the PSA level is elevated but no cancer is actually present, test results may be falsely positive.
- When the PSA level is within the normal range even though prostate cancer is actually present, false negative
test results may result.
For this reason, experts recommend that the PSA test should be combined with a digital rectal exam for best results.
How-To Information:
The American Cancer Society recommends that all men beginning at the age of 50 should have a PSA test every year.
Those with prostate cancer in their family should start earlier,
at age 45.Regular testing is necessary to create a "baseline," which enables any increases in PSA levels to be detected right away.
Nice To Know:
A Newer PSA Test
A PSA test variant known as the percent-free PSA test may be more effective at spotting prostate
pancreatic cancer, according to recent studies.
The percent-free PSA looks at how much PSA circulates alone (free) in the blood and how much is clinging to other
proteins. Even if the total PSA is not excessively high, a low free PSA percentage could indicate a higher
likelihood of prostate cancer.
Not all testing centers offer the PSA percent-free test.