PSA

What is PSA testing?

PSA is a type of protein made by your prostate gland. PSA is released in semen, and in much smaller amounts within your blood. A PSA test is a common type of prostate cancer screening. 

The reason PSA testing is so helpful in prostate cancer detection is that your prostate releases extra PSA in your blood when prostate cancer is present. The PSA test can detect the elevated PSA level, and this can dictate the need for further testing.

What is a PSA test like?

A PSA test is as simple as a blood draw. Your care provider at Advanced Urology Medical Offices typically takes a blood sample from your arm, and it’s much like any other blood draw you’ve had previously. 

Your care provider sends the blood sample to the laboratory for a detailed analysis. A blood draw for a PSA test takes just a few minutes, and it’s usually part of a regular exam. 

If my PSA is high, do I have prostate cancer?

A PSA test is only an early screening tool, so you shouldn't consider it an absolute indicator of cancer. A high PSA level doesn't necessarily mean you have prostate cancer. It can also happen after prostate surgery, with prostate gland inflammation, when you have an enlarged prostate, or in a number of other situations. 

Your care provider can perform tests to rule out other causes if they suspect your PSA level is high for reasons not involving cancer.

What kind of test do I need after a high PSA level screening?

Your urologist may perform a prostate biopsy if you have high PSA levels, and they suspect prostate cancer. In a prostate biopsy, your urologist withdraws several small prostate tissue samples to test them for cancer. 

If your biopsy confirms prostate cancer, your Advanced Urology Medical Offices provider can recommend treatments ranging from watch-and-wait to radiation and prostate resection. 

Prostate cancer doesn’t have to be fatal, especially with the help of early screening tools like the PSA test. Talk to your urology specialist at Advanced Urology Medical Offices about the PSA test and how it can help you today. Book online or by calling the office located nearest to you.