The PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test measures the level of PSA in the blood. PSA is a protein produced by both normal and cancerous cells of the prostate gland. Small amounts of PSA normally circulate in the blood, but elevated levels may indicate a prostate condition.
This test is primarily used to screen for prostate cancer, monitor the progression of known prostate cancer, and evaluate the effectiveness of prostate cancer treatment. It is also used to detect non-cancerous conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis, which can also raise PSA levels. PSA results must be interpreted carefully alongside age, prostate size, and other clinical findings, as elevated PSA alone does not confirm cancer.
