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PSA ElevationPSA or "prostate specific antigen" is a molecule that is produced by prostate epithelial (gland) cells. Prostate cancer cells typically, but not always, produce much more PSA than normal prostate cells. As the prostate enlarges with age the PSA increases. The normal cut off for PSA has been set at 4, but in men below the age of 70 a cut off of 2.5 has been recommended. PSA elevation does not mean that you have prostate cancer -- there are many benign conditions such as benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), the growth of the prostate that occurs with age, and infection or inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis), that can elevate PSA. If the PSA is elevated a medical history and exam, including a digital rectal exam is done. Additional tests can help to distinguish benign causes of PSA elevation from prostate cancer. These include blood tests, such as acid phospatase and percent free PSA, and a new urine test that appears to be better than PSA. After the digital rectal exam, when prostate cells can me pushd into the urethra, a urine specimen can be collected for PC3 prostate cancer gene. This urine test has 81% accuracy compared with only 47% for PSA.
Created: 3/15/2005
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Home | Meet Dr. Lamm | About Us | Common Questions | Office Visit | e-Consultation Cancer Information | Symptoms | Treatment & Prevention | Research | Forms | For Physicians BCG Oncology, PC | 16620 North 40th Street, Suite E | Phoenix, AZ 85032 | (602) 493-6626 Copyright © 2007 BCG Oncology, PC. All rights reserved. Medical content authored by Donald L. Lamm, M.D., unless otherwise noted. |
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