One important substance that is produced by the prostate Antigen may be the PSA or the Prostate Gland Antige. This substance is commonly based in the semen but a small quantity could have leaked in our bloodstream. A blood test can be done to determine the amount of PSA in our bloodstream. It is usually measured in nanograms for each millimeter of blood. Males with normal prostate will have fewer than 4 nanograms, higher than this particular reading would mean having a cancer of the prostate.
American Cancer Society reported that if the PSA level is in between 4 and 10 regarding 25% chance you will have a prostate cancer. The greater the PSA level than 10 increases the chance also of having the cancer by 50%. There are several elements that might be the reason for the elevation of the PSA. It includes ejaculation, irritation of the so called prostate gland and also the non cancerous enlargement from the prostate. Although PSA levels raises naturally as the person ages, it would be to your advantage if you make sure your prostate are normal and working just fine.
A Prostate Specific Antigen or a PSA is also known as a protein that is formed by the prostate gland. A test to measure the count of PSA in the blood can also be called PSA test. By taking a small amount of blood sample, the doctor assessments it in the laboratory to determine the PSA level. This test is also known as tumor marker because it can be used also to detect diseases.
Normally men have lower count of PSA in their blood. Benign and prostate cancer conditions increases the degree of PSA. The most benign prostate condition is the prostatitis or the inflammation from the prostate. The PSA level is not the only basis of the doctor to help him or her distinguish benign from cancer. But the result is taken into account when deciding if follow check up is necessary to determine the presence of prostate cancer.
In the US, the Food and Drug Administration has already approved the way of PSA together with the digital anal exam or DRE to help them discover the existence of prostate cancer in a 50 year old patient or more mature. If the PSA level started to rise once again it could be a sign that the cancer is recurring. Some doctors are using PSA test as well as DRE to help the actual doctors detect the presence of cancer of the prostate to these patients that have absolutely no symptoms at all.
The level of the psa might not be due to the prostate cancer, but it serves as a basis in some other prostate-related illnesses which will eventually lead to cancer. More information can be found through going to http://www.ProstateCancerPSA.org.