PSA Test Levels – What is a PSA Test (1 of 3)

The PSA test was developed during the late 1970s by research scientists at Roswell Park Memorial Hospital in Buffalo, New York.  The PSA test is a blood test that measures the amount of prostate specific antigen (PSA) present in the body.  Produced almost exclusively by the prostate gland, PSA is an enzyme, typically present in only minute quantities, a PSA test measures the amount of PSA secreted into the bloodstream from blood vessels inside the prostate. 

PSA secretions originate from cells in the lining of the prostate gland. When prostate cancer is present, additional PSA is usually produced.  This extra PSA can be detected and measured in the blood through a simple laboratory test, called a PSA Test, which can be ordered by any primary-care physician.  PSA Test level results are usually available in 1-3 days or even longer depending on the assay used. 

Because cancerous cells readily leak PSA into the surrounding body tissue, an elevated PSA level is a possible indicator of the presence of prostate cancer.  However, other conditions can also cause elevated PSA levels.   The most common condition associated with elevated PSA levels, is the enlargement of the prostate gland that occurs with BPH.  Infections and traumas such as a biopsy or even an overly vigorous digital rectal exam can sometime increase PSA levels. Ejaculation (orgasm) can also elevate PSA levels and trigger high PSA test results for as long as 48 hours. 

As a diagnostic tool, the PSA test has its limitations, and is usually combined with the DRE (digital rectal exam).  Some men with seemingly normal PSA test levels turn out to have prostate cancer that may be detected with DRE or one of the other diagnostic tests described in here.  A more aggressive cancer may be associated with palpable tumor (at least a billion cells) found by DRE and a normal or even low PSA test levels. 

How PSA Test Results are Reported   NEXT -->

Additional Information for PSA Test Levels

To schedule a screening or find out more about PSA Test Levels for prostate cancer treatment please contact our PSA Test Level Specialists at the Dattoli Cancer Center (941) 957-1221.

With over 16 Years of Documented Prostate Cancer Treatment Success Achievement and the Best Prostate Cancer Treatment Cure Rates in the World, we look forward to helping you.