Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among men. A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test measures the level of a protein called prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood. Prostate cancer cells produce PSA, which is released into the bloodstream where it can be detected during a routine physical examination or tested for during a PSA blood test. An abnormal result may indicate that you have prostate cancer or another condition that can raise PSA levels. A prostate specific antigen velocity test measures the changing level of PSA in your blood over time may be an indication to evaluate you for other issues that could raise your PSA level
A prostate-specific antigen (PSA) velocity test measures the changing level of PSA in your blood. Prostate-specific antigen is a protein produced by the prostate gland. Increased levels of PSA are often an indicator for prostate cancer and may be associated with an increased risk of developing other cancers, such as bladder or bowel cancer.
The PSA velocity test uses a formula to evaluate how quickly your PSA level has increased over time. If it has increased faster than expected, it could indicate that you have early-stage prostate cancer or another disease related to your prostate gland.
But before you start worrying about that, let’s back up a bit. Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer among men. It tends to affect older men and African American men more than other ethnic groups, but it can also strike younger people.
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tests measure blood levels of PSA proteins in your blood by testing small amounts of blood drawn from your arm or hand. These proteins are produced by cells in the prostate gland, an organ located below your bladder and surrounding the urethra (tube that carries urine from the bladder).
When these cells grow abnormally or become cancerous they produce more PSA than normal tissues do; this level can be detected in the bloodstream through a simple blood test.
A PSA test measures the level of a protein called prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood.
PSA is a protein made by the prostate gland. It's found in the blood, and helps to fight infections.
A man's PSA level can increase for many reasons, including aging and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). However, an increased PSA can also be a sign of prostate cancer. If you notice changes in your PSA levels, talk to your doctor about getting tested for prostate cancer as soon as possible.
A PSA velocity measurement is a measure of the change in PSA level over time. A higher than expected increase in your PSA level could be an indication to evaluate you for other issues that could raise your PSA.
Not all patients with an increased PSA will need additional testing or treatment. The PSA test is not a definitive test for prostate cancer, and the risk of prostate cancer can be determined only by the results of other tests such as a digital rectal exam (DRE) and transrectal ultrasound (TRUS). The PSA alone does not diagnose cancer because it does not distinguish between benign and malignant tumors. If your doctor has recommended that you have a PSA test, it’s also important to understand that:
The results of a PSA test are not definitive, and a digital rectal exam or biopsy may be needed to rule out prostate cancer. Other tests may be required if your doctor suspects that you have prostate cancer. These include:
A PSA test is used to monitor the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood. It can also be used to detect prostate cancer, but it’s not a good way to screen for the disease.
Why would you want to know if you have prostate cancer? There are a few reasons:
A PSA test can be used to detect prostate cancer, but it’s not the only test for this disease. A doctor may order other tests if the results of your PSA test are abnormal or if you have symptoms.