PSA Test Numbers

The cells of the prostate gland in men produce a specific protein which is referred to as prostate specific antigen or PSA. Increasing incidence of prostate cancer in men is being noticed every year. The FDA has approved the PSA test and doctors rely on PSA test numbers to a great extent for the diagnosis of prostate cancer. If you are about to undergo a PSA test, you should know about normal and elevated PSA levels and what they mean. All men over 50 should undergo a PSA test every year.

Blood PSA Levels

PSA numbers are measured by performing a simple blood test. Since PSA test helps detect prostate cancer, it is the duty of the doctor to explain PSA test numbers meaning, carefully and clearly to each patient. Patients should know that an increase in PSA levels is observed in some non cancerous prostate disorders also, for example in benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate. Inflamed prostate or prostatitis is also a benign condition. If high PSA test numbers are noticed, doctors might advise a DRE (digital rectal exam) to assess prostate health. If doctors have any doubt, they suggest one more PSA test after a few weeks to see whether PSA numbers have come down to normal level or not. If not, then biopsy is performed and then the final conclusion is drawn.

If the levels of PSA are slightly high, patients are asked to wait and watch. Treatment is delayed but these patients need to perform PSA test regularly, as suggested by the doctor. Those who have undergone prostate surgery or chemotherapy, also need to perform PSA test to check the PSA levels. After complete removal of the prostate gland, PSA levels should be 0 ng/mL. The numbers help determine the effectiveness of the treatment. An increase in the level of blood PSA after undergoing the treatment shows recurrence of cancer.

Normal PSA Range

PSA level less than 4 ng/mL (nanograms per milliliter of blood) is considered as normal. Some laboratories consider PSA level less than 2.5 ng/ml as the normal level. According to them this helps prevent prostate cancer in more number of people as the cancer is detected at an early stage. But according to others, this might lead to over-diagnosing and it is not fair to treat a condition which may never cause serious health problems in future.

PSA blood test numbers are low in young men. Increased PSA numbers are noticed in elderly men. The increased numbers may range from 4 ng/mL to 20 ng/mL or above. Here is a brief overview of PSA test results.

Interpretation of PSA Test Results

PSA Numbers	Interpretation
Less than 4 ng/mL	Normal
4 - 10 ng/mL	20 - 30 % risk of cancer
10 - 20 ng/mL	50 - 75 % risk of cancer
Above 20 ng/mL	90 % risk of cancer

Though prostatitis or BPH do not cause cancer, people with prostatitis or BPH can develop prostate cancer. So undergoing a PSA test and monitoring PSA levels is very important. It is equally important to consult your doctor for correct interpretation of PSA test results. Statistics show that American men of African origin are more likely to develop prostate cancer. Genetics also plays an important role in the development of cancer. The chances of having prostate cancer are more in men with a family history of prostate cancer. It is recommended that men above 40 who belong to the 'greater risk zone' should undergo a PSA test every year.