What are Good & Bad PSA Levels?
The prostate gland produces higher levels of a protein called PSA in response to the presence of cancer. "Normal" PSA levels, however, can vary from person to person, while cancer patients may not show elevated PSA at all.
Definition
PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen, a protein produced by the prostate gland.
Testing
Doctors recommend PSA testing for men once they reach the age of 50. The test measures PSA levels in the bloodstream. PSA levels under 4 nanograms per millileter generally indicate the absence of cancer.
Inconsistencies
No single PSA level seems to fit all patients. The National Cancer Institute mentions one study in which 65 to 75 percent of patients with high PSA levels did not have prostate cancer. If "normal" PSA varies from case to case, then doctors must watch for sudden changes in an individual's PSA level.
Other Causes
In addition to prostate cancer, natural aging or certain non-cancerous conditions can also raise PSA, according to the American Cancer Society.
Cautions
The Mayo Clinic warns that prostate cancer may exist even without an abnormal change in PSA levels. This type of cancer may in fact prove more aggressive and spread faster than other varieties.
Tags: prostate cancer, Good Levels, prostate gland, What Good, What Good Levels
