Serum PSA levels and prostate cancer

    PSA can be detected in blood, normally at a low level. Disruption of normal prostatic architecture by cancer, benign enlargement, inflammation, or trauma can lead to elevated serum levels. When combined with a digital rectal examination (DRE), PSA can be used to screen for prostate cancer. An abnormal screening test may prompt a prostate biopsy, usually performed in conjunction with transrectal ultrasound, to provide a definitive diagnosis. Unfortunately, serum PSA alone cannot reliably distinguish between benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatic infection or inflammation, and prostate cancer, either low or high grade.

   PSA 可以在血液中檢測到，通常處於低水平。癌症、良性增生、發炎或外傷會破壞正常的前列腺結構，導致血清中的 PSA 含量升高。若結合指感直腸檢查 (DRE)，PSA 可用於篩檢前列腺癌。篩檢測試的異常，可能需要進行前列腺活組織檢查，通常會與經直腸超音波檢查一起進行，以提供確切的診斷。不幸的是，單靠血清 PSA 並不能可靠區分良性前列腺增生、前列腺感染或發炎，以及前列腺癌，無論是低度或高度的血清PSA水平。

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Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by both normal and malignant cells of the prostate gland. PSA levels are measured through a blood test and can be an indicator of prostate health. Elevated PSA levels can sometimes suggest the presence of prostate caner, but they can also be caused by other conditions such as prostatitis or benign prostatic hyperplasia.

Normal PSA levels: Generally, a PSA level below 4.0ng/mL is considered normal, but this can vary with age. For men under 60, a PSA level below 2.5 ng/mL is often considered normal.

Elevated PSA levels: PSA levels between 4.0 and 10.0 ng/mL indicate a higher chance of prostate cancer, with about a 25% chance of having the disease. Levels above 10.0 ng/mL increase the likelihood to over 50%.

Screening recommendations: Routine PSA screening is not universally recommended due to potential risks and benefits. Men aged 55 to 69 should discuss the pros and cons of PSA screening with their doctor. Those at higher risk, such as those with a family history of prostate cancer, may consider starting screening earlier.

Factors affecting PSA levels: Besides cancer, PSA levels can be elevated due to infections, recent procedures, or even activities like cycling.

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