[b]Irving, Texas[/b] – Prostate Specific Antigen blood screening is used primarily to test for prostate cancer. The test measures the amount of PSA in a patient’s blood and can detect high levels of PSA, indicating the possible presence of prostate cancer. PSA is a protein naturally produced in the prostate by cancerous and non-cancerous tissue. An inflamed or enlarged prostate can also increase the levels of PSA. This makes determining the meaning of high PSA score very complicated.

"Undergoing a PSA test can provide useful information to physicians about the prostate health of a patient," explained Dr. Echt. “PSA blood screenings can save lives in cases where prostate cancer is detected.”

Here are [b]facts about Prostate Specific Antigen screening[/b]:

It is a painless procedure where a simple blood draw is sent to the lab for analysis.

• If high levels of PSA are detected, there is no cause for alarm because high levels of PSA can also be caused by prostatitis, urinary tract infections, prostatic hyperplasia that is benign, among others. Follow up tests can be conducted to determine the exact cause.

• Since the test provides more insight regarding a patient's prostate cancer condition, it is recommended for men with both low and high-risk prostate cancer to help detect the disease early.

• Elevated levels of PSA prompt doctors to recommend further tests such as cystoscopy, X-ray or ultrasound, and even biopsies. This occurs especially when there’s high suspicion of prostate cancer.

• PSA testing is a valuable tool for determining the success of the treatment of prostate cancer. This is because doctors and patients rely on the test to monitor treatment and determine whether the disease has been controlled or not.

"Prostate Specific Antigen testing helps to detect prostate cancer at its early and most treatable stages," continued Dr. Echt. “Men should always discuss this procedure and its results carefully with their doctors to make informed decisions on how best to proceed.”

[b]About Prostate Seed Institute[/b]

Our Medical professionals at The Prostate Seed Institute are dedicated to helping men throughout the process of diagnosis and testing to recovery and beyond. We educate patients about the nuances of their diseases and assist them to select a therapy that is appropriate for their unique situation.