PSA - Prostate Specific Antigen

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a substance produced by the prostate that may be found in an increased amount in the blood of men who have prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or infection or inflammation of the prostate. Elevated levels of PSA can raise a red flag for physicians. These levels alone do not give enough information to distinguish between benign prostate conditions and cancer. However, the physician will take the result of the PSA test into account when deciding whether to check further for signs of prostate cancer.

It is normal for men to have low levels of PSA in their blood; however, prostate cancer or benign (not cancerous) conditions can increase PSA levels. As men age, both benign prostate conditions and prostate cancer become more frequent. The most common benign prostate conditions are inflammation of the prostate and enlargement of the prostate (BPH). There is no evidence that prostatitis or BPH cause cancer, but it is possible for a man to have one or both of these conditions and to develop prostate cancer as well.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the PSA test along with a digital rectal exam or prostate ultrasounds to help detect prostate cancer in men age 50 and older. During a DRE, a physician inserts a gloved finger into the rectum and feels the prostate gland through the rectal wall to check for bumps or abnormal areas. Physicians often use the PSA test and DRE as prostate cancer screening tests; together, these tests can help detect prostate cancer in men who have no symptoms of the disease.

Envisioneering Medical focuses resources and technology to develop equipment to aid physicians in detection, diagnosis and treatment. The TargetScan 3D imaging and targeted biopsy system offers the first real advance in prostate imaging and biopsy in over a decade. It eases any discomfort of probing during examination, as once it is place, there is no need for repositioning. The system allows a physician to generate a true solid 3D image, manipulate it, and precisely plan and undertake a multi-sample biopsy of a targeted tissue mass in the prostate. Click to learn more about TargetScan 3D or ask your physician today.