PSA stands for Prostate-Specific Antigen and is produced by the prostate gland. It is safe for men to have PSA levels under four (ng/mL) and for men 50 or less, it is even better for their PSA levels to be under 3 (ng/mL); anything over this is elevated. PSA blood tests should be performed annually for men over 50.
Prostate Cancer
Not all men with elevated PSA levels have prostate cancer. In fact, an elevated PSA level only shows an increase in the possibility of prostate cancer by about 15%. Some men with prostate cancer do not develop elevated PSA levels.
Prostatitis
Prostatitis, which can be a bacterial infection or just pelvic pain, can cause elevated PSA levels.
Enlarged Prostate
An enlarged prostate can also cause elevated PSA levels; this is a non-cancerous, urethra blocking condition.
PSA Level Changes
The amount of elevation or rate at which the PSA level changes is an indicator of the degree of danger for prostate health.
Importance
PSA level tests are often the first indicator of a prostate problem, and are therefore essential for men to have.
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