Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA For Men) in Amravati - Price & Details

PharmEasy offers a plethora of diagnostic tests at very affordable costs. The test results are accurate because very skilled technicians scan the samples using high-end technology, and every report is verified by pathologists. Then, the reports are sent via email.

The prostate is a gland which is located below the bladder. Prostate-specific antigen is a protein produced by both cancerous and noncancerous cells of the prostate gland. The PSA level in the blood is usually low. An increase in the level may be a sign of prostate cancer.

Most types of prostate cancer are found to be confined to the prostate gland and grow very slowly without causing any physical symptoms. A person with prostate cancer may live a long life without any problems related to the prostate gland.

The PSA test only checks the level of prostate-specific antigen. It cannot determine whether the condition is cancerous or noncancerous. A PSA test cannot also differentiate between slow-growing and aggressive types of prostate cancer. If there is a high PSA level, a digital exam (DRE), a urine test and a prostate biopsy are performed to diagnose cancer. A slow-growing cancer can lead to unnecessary complications during treatment, including urinary incontinence and gastrointestinal and sexual side effects.

A high PSA can be caused by other factors besides cancer, which include:

• An enlarged prostate or benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH)
• Other prostate problems
• Certain medications

The PSA test is helpful for those cancers that are aggressive, which spread quickly and cause serious complications. This test makes it possible to start treatment much earlier. PSA testing is used to help diagnose other prostate conditions which are not cancerous, such as BPH or prostate infection (prostatitis). The PSA test is also used to monitor how well you are responding to prostate cancer treatment.

It is entirely your choice whether you want to have a PSA test for cancer screening. Talk to your doctor and have the necessary discussion with your family to understand how necessary this test is for you. Consider whether your cancer is likely to become serious and spread quickly if not diagnosed early. Certain risk factors play a role in developing prostate cancer, which include:

• If you have a family history of prostate cancer, your risk increases
• Age- Men over the age of 50 are at a higher risk of developing prostate cancer. Doctors do not recommend PSA testing for people over the age of 70
• Ethnicity

You may be recommended for a PSA test if you have certain symptoms of prostate cancer, which may include:

• Difficulty in urinating
• Frequent urination, especially at bedtime
• A slow and weak stream of urine
• Pain while urinating
• Urinary incontinence
• Blood in urine or semen
• Pelvic pain or back pain

Before getting a PSA test, make sure to tell your doctor-

• About the medications you are taking
• If you have had a surgery for BPH treatment
• If you have had a prostate biopsy in the past six weeks
• If you have a condition that affects your liver
• If you have a UTI now or have had it in the past three months
• If you have recently used a catheter or have undergone any procedure that affects your urinary system

These factors can interfere with your PSA level. To get a precise PSA report, your doctor may instruct you to avoid-

• Sexual activity or masturbation for 24 hours prior to the PSA test. That is because releasing semen may cause your PSA level to elevate temporarily.
• Exercising for 48 hours before the PSA test. Vigorous exercise temporarily raises PSA levels.

During the PSA Test

• First, you have to be ready to receive the phlebotomist from PharmEasy.
• The phlebotomist will bring a vein finder, which will help to locate a suitable vein for drawing blood.
• A needle will go into the vein in your arm, and blood will be extracted.
• The sample will be taken to the lab.