In this Article

• What is the Prostate Specific Antigen?
• How is PSA measured?
• What are normal results for the PSA test?
• How is PSA used to detect prostate cancer?
• What other conditions can cause an abnormal PSA level?
• What is the free PSA test?
• What are the limitations of the PSA test?
• PSA Test At A Glance
• Prostate Specific Antigen Index

What are the limitations of the PSA test?

A few percent of prostate cancers do not produce detectable increases in the blood PSA, even with advanced disease. Many early cancers will also not produce enough PSA to cause a significantly abnormal blood level. It is therefore important not to rely only on blood PSA testing.

The most useful additional test is a physical prostate examination by a doctor known as the digital rectal exam (DRE). During this examination a doctor inserts a finger into the rectum to feel the prostate for lumps, size, shape, tenderness, and hardness.

PSA Test At A Glance

• The PSA test is a blood test.
• The PSA test can be used to suggest the presence of or monitor prostate cancer.
• The PSA test can be abnormal with benign enlargement and infection of the prostate gland.
• The PSA test can be elevated with other conditions that irritate the prostate gland.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• Prostate Cancer Screening - Get information on prostate cancer screening and prevention, risk factors, PSA testing, prostate exam, and other tests that screen and detect for prostate cancer. BPH has symptoms similar to prostate cancer.
• Prostatitis - Read about prostatitis, a painful infection of the prostate gland. Symptoms include fever, chills, painful urination, lower back pain, pain in the genital area, and frequent urination.
• Prostate Cancer - Learn about prostate cancer treatment, causes, signs, stages, hormone therapy, symptoms, and how to maintain good prostate health.

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