PSA is a specialized protein naturally produced by the prostate gland.
Prostate canceris just one of the conditions the PSA test can help diagnose.
The most common of these isprostatitis(inflammation of the prostate gland).
Illustration by Cindy Chung, Verywell
BPH is neither cancerous nor indicative of cancer.
Placement of a foley catheter can result in temporary false elevation of PSA.
In addition, sexual intercourse/ejaculation can also transiently raise PSA.
It is performed irrespective of PSA values and can be useful in detecting abnormalities.
Based on the results of the tests, the following would typically occur:
Mayo Clinic.PSA test.
American Cancer Society.Tests to diagnose and stage prostate cancer.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Prostatitis: inflammation of the prostate.
2019;11:1-8. doi:10.2147/rru.s155609
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia).
American Cancer Society.Screening tests for prostate cancer.
National Cancer Institute.Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test.
2017 Mar 30;376(13):1285-1289. doi:10.1056/NEJMsb1616281.
