Irving, Texas – Dec 24, 2018 – Prostate-specific antigen is produced by prostate cells – both the healthy and cancerous cells. PSA is commonly found in semen, with small amounts in the blood. High PSA levels (above 4) indicate the possible presence of cancer. Sometimes the factors lowering PSA levels in men with prostate cancer may not affect their risk of the disease. This may turn to be harmful to the patient if their PSA levels are lowered from abnormal to normal because this means that cancer will not be detected.

"When your PSA level is higher than 4, your doctor will either ask you to wait and repeat the test later," said Dr. Echt. “If not, you’ll be advised to get a prostate biopsy to determine whether or not you have cancer. Ensure that you talk to your doctor regarding any factor that may affect your PSA levels.”

Here are some of the special types of PSA tests that doctors recommend:

• Percent-free PSA: PSA occurs in the blood in two major forms. One form circulates free in the blood while the other is attached to blood proteins. The percentage of free PSA in men with prostate cancer is lower compared to men who do not have the disease. The percent-free test can help decide if you need a prostate biopsy when your PSA results are between 4 and 10. Low percent-free PSA shows high chances of having prostate cancer, and so you should have a biopsy.

• Complexed PSA – This special PSA test measures the amount of PSA attached to other proteins. The test can be performed instead of checking the free and total PSA because it produces the same information that other separate tests could provide.

• PSA velocity – This is a measure of the speed at which PSA rises over time. PSA levels are known to increase slowly with age or faster if the man has cancer. It is not recommended for use for screening prostate cancer.

• PSA density – Men with large prostate glands have high PSA levels. The PSA density is often used in men with large prostate glands to measure its volume. High PSA density indicates the likelihood of cancer.

"These special PSA tests can help decide if a patient needs a prostate biopsy or not," continued Dr. Echt. “However, you need to discuss your cancer risks and the need for you to have further tests with your doctor first.”

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