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| What Does It Mean When You Have a High PSA Level?
The (Prostate Specific Antigen) PSA test is used to measure a substance called prostate specific antigen in the blood. It is used as a screening tool for prostate cancer.
In a healthy man, the PSA level should be less than "4." A number higher than 4 can indicate prostate cancer, but keep in mind that PSA tests are notorious for producing false positives.
Other tests such as a biopsy or Digital Rectal Exam (DRE) may be performed to further evaluate the prostate for cancer.
There are other factors that can elevate the PSA levels, such as:[list=1]
[*]ejaculation (no ejaculation at least two days prior to test)
[*]PSA levels can naturally increase with age
[*]inflammation of the prostate gland
[*]non cancerous enlargement of the prostate (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia or BPH)[/list]
Remember this is not intended as medical advice. Since you've had the test, you should call the physician that ordered this test and get his/her interpretation, and his/her guidance for the next steps in your care. If that physician isn't a good choice, find another.
Good luck. | |
| Because if the many other possible causes, men should NOT assume it MIGHT be something else and ignore a high or rising PSA!!
Thankfully my husband's doctor insisted he come in regularly and yes, it eventually was cancer, but caught early enough is all gone now. |
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