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PSA

Also known as: total PSA; free PSA; complex PSA
Formal name: Prostate-Specific Antigen
Related tests: Rectal examination

Common Questions

1.  If I have prostate cancer, what are my options?

The most common treatments are discussed elsewhere on this site. For more information visit the Macmillan cancer support website.

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2.  Are the recommendations for PSA testing different for different ethnic groups, such as those of Afro-Caribbean descent?

The incidence for disease is greater among Afro-Caribbeans and African-Americans than for Caucasian so men from these ethnic groups may wish to have their PSA tested earlier than usual.

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3.  Will PSA testing detect all prostate cancers?

No. Sometimes cancer cells do not produce much PSA, and the test will be negative when the disease is present.

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4.  I have heard my doctor use the terms PSA Density, PSA Velocity, PSA Doubling Time. Please explain what these are.

PSA Density refers to the relationship of the PSA level to the size of the prostate measured by ultrasound examination. Men with larger prostates tend to produce more PSA, and so men with a benign enlarged prostate (BPH) can have higher 'normal' PSA levels. Men with a PSA value in the 4 ng/mL to 10 ng/mL range but with an enlarged prostate gland have a lower probability of prostate cancer than those with a small gland

PSA Velocity refers to how quickly PSA levels change over time. There is evidence to indicate that the development of prostate cancer requiring treatment is associated with a faster increase in the PSA value over time. This may be one of the reasons why your doctor suggests that you have a further test a few months after the first test was performed

PSA Doubling Time is the time it takes for the PSA value to double. This may be useful in following treatment and determining the type of treatment.

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