Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)

What is it?

PSA stands for Prostate-Specific Antigen and is a protein that is secreted solely by the prostate, a small organ located below the bladder. 

A PSA blood test may be checked by your urologist or GP as part of a normal yearly check-up or if they are concerned that you might have a problem with your prostate.

Why is my PSA abnormal?

PSA is not a test specific to prostate cancer and an abnormal or elevated value does not necessarily indicate prostate cancer. 

The PSA can be elevated in several benign problems of the prostate:

• Benign prostate enlargement
• Infection (prostatitis)
• Manipulation/trauma-recent prostate surgery, cycling, trauma to the groin
• Ejaculation within a few days of the test

How is it diagnosed?

After careful discussion of your prostate cancer risk factors, your urologist may suggest a prostate biopsy, the only way to diagnose prostate cancer and obtain a biopsy of prostate tissue. 

This is typically done after an MRI of the prostate which is very accurate in localising areas of the prostate that may contain significant cancers, and increases the likelihood of detecting the cancer on a biopsy.

How is it treated?

If you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, your surgeon can help guide you through your various treatments options.