PSA stands for Prostate Specific Antigen. This is a protein which can be found normally in low levels in the blood stream. This protein main function is to aid sperm movement. When the normal structure of the tissue is disrupted the PSA level from the blood is increased. This can be an indicator of the probability or risk of presence of prostate cancer. Doctors will recommend further tests based on PSA levels.



There can be other explanation also for high PSA level. One of them is the ejaculation. If prior taking a PSA test within 48 hours one man had sexual intercourse or had masturbated the results will show elevate PSA levels. Other cause of high PSA level might be the benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) which is a non-cancerous condition.

The inflammation or the infection of prostate caused bye bacteria may show high PSA levels.  Older men have a natural increased PSA level. Your doctor will know all this other causes and you will not hear from him or she a definitive diagnostic of cancer. You will find all this suppositions or you will be advised to take further tests before telling you a definitive diagnostic and a method of treatment.

Here is a guide of the normal PSA levels for different age groups. There are situation when patients with prostate cancer have a normal PSA in the early stages of the disease. The normal Serum PSA (ng./ml) 2.0 is for the age range of 40 to 49 years, from 50 to 59 years the normal serum PSA  (ng./ml) is 3.0. From 60 to 69 years the normal level of serum PSA (ng/ml) is 4.0.

The normal serum PSA (ng/ml) level for the 70 to 79 years is 5.5. In the case of benign prostate enlargement PSA test shows a higher level of free (unbound) PSA resulting a higher ration of free tot total. In the case of prostate cancer the percentage of free total is below 10%.

For better diagnosing the prostate cancer there are other test and exams that must be done. Usually a good diagnose can be confirmed after a rectal exam and a biopsy. PSA velocity refers to the change in PSA levels over time. The presence of prostate cancer can be signaled by a very rapid increase over a period of time, e.g over a period of a year the level of PSA has increased only by 0.75 ng/mL from the normal level will show the presence of prostate cancer.

During the treatment of prostate cancer the PSA value can be used for monitoring the evolution of the disease. This can be very useful after a radiation or a surgery. When the treatment destroyed or removed the cancer cells the PSA levels will be at a very low level. When the treatment hasn't been successful the PSA level is very high. When the doctor decides to recommend the watchful waiting as a method of treatment the PSA level helps to determine the progression of the disease. PSA level can be very useful to monitor the evolution of a hormonal therapy. Using this doctor can decide how the treatment works and if it is necessary to try another treatment.