Elevated PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen)
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by the prostate gland which serves an important role in normal reproductive function. Healthy men generally have low, but detectable, levels of PSA circulating in their bloodstream. An elevated PSA level may result from one of several conditions affecting the prostate gland including infection/inflammation, benign prostatic enlargement and prostate cancer. The association between elevations in blood PSA levels and the occurrence of prostate cancer provides the rationale for using PSA as a screening test for the early-detection of prostate cancer. The goal of PSA screening is to facilitate the detection of prostate cancer at an earlier and potentially curable stage. Although it does not always mean that prostate cancer is present, an elevated PSA level suggests the need for further evaluation in order to exclude the presence of prostate cancer. The American Urological Association (AUA) currently recommends annual PSA screening for all men over the age 50 with a life expectancy of at least 10 years. For African-American males and men with a strong family history, the AUA recommends commencement of PSA screening at age 40.
| Service Name | Appointment |
|---|---|
| Urology - Adult | |
| General Urology | A. Alfred Taubman Health Care Center | 734-936-7030 |
| Brighton Health Center | 734-936-7030 |
