psa

Did you know PSA tests are not as reliable for obese men? The problem is due to the increase in volume of blood an obese person has in their body. It can be very hard to detect an abnormal amount of PSA in an obese person.

Another reason to get in shape. Full article is found here:


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21905052/wid/11915773/

PSA stands for prostate specific antigen. In english it is a protein produced only by the prostate gland in a male. PSA count is used as a metric when evaluating someone's probability for prostate cancer.

PSA is measured by taking a blood test. Usually found in low numbers if it is elevated it could be a warning sign for cancer. There are other factors that effect the PSA count such as recent ejaculation. So sexual activity should be avoided before being tested for PSA levels.

The normal PSA level is measured as 4.0/ ng/mL. Anything above this is considered to be a high PSA count. Men above 50 years of age are encouraged to be screened for prostate cancer each year using PSA counts as part of the test. If levels are found to be between 4 and 10 then a rectal exam is likely to follow in order to feel what size the prostate is.

If found to be suspicious a biopsy and an ultrasound or other image request may be made to confirm the absence or presence of cancer.