Question

Why is prostate specific antigen (PSA) important?

Answer 1

The levels of PSA in blood can be indicative of prostate hyperplasia which can then lead to further testing to determine if it is benign or malignant (prostate cancer)

Explanation:

The cells of the prostate gland in men produce an antigen called the Prostate Specific Antigen or PSA. This is measured from a blood sample in nanograms per millilitre. There is a normal range above which the elevated levels indicate enlargement of the prostate. The range varies with age to accommodate normal increases in prostate gland size as men age.

PSA levels above the normal age-specific range are generally an indication of prostate hyperplasia (enlargement) which could be benign or malignant (cancerous).

Further tests could then determine treatment strategies, if needed.