Prostate Specific Antigen Flashcards, test questions and answers
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What is Prostate Specific Antigen?
Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is a protein produced in the prostate gland and released into the bloodstream. It is used to measure levels of PSA in the blood, which can help diagnose prostate cancer and aid in monitoring its progression. There are several different types of PSA tests available, including digital rectal exams (DREs), ultrasounds, and biopsies.High levels of PSA can be an indication of prostate cancer or other conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, it is important to note that elevated PSA levels do not always indicate cancer. Other factors such as age, race, family history, medications taken or recent physical activity can influence PSA levels. To properly interpret results from a PSA test, your doctor will consider all relevant information before making a diagnosis.If your doctor suspects that you may have prostate cancer based on your results from a PSA test and other diagnostic tests, they may recommend further testing such as an MRI or biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. Treatments for prostate cancer depend on many factors including the stage and grade of disease present at diagnosis. Treatment options include surgery to remove tumors or radiation therapy to shrink them; hormone therapy; chemotherapy; cryosurgery; high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU); and targeted therapies such as immunotherapy or antibody drug conjugates (ADCs). Regular screening with regular follow-up examinations are important for detecting early stages of prostate cancer before symptoms arise or become more severe. Early detection often leads to improved outcomes since treatment can be started sooner when symptoms first appear rather than waiting until later stages when treatments are less effective due to advanced disease progression.