PSA Level? Sounds like a level of game. Isn’t it? However, it is not at any level of play, but it is one of the most important antigens in men’s bodies. PSA level plays an integral role in men’s health. In addition, it not only indicates prostate health but tells a lot about the overall health of the body. In that regard, it is important to take care of your PSA levels. In this post, we will focus on understanding PSA and its levels to make well-informed decisions related to health.
What are PSA Levels? Understand the Basics
PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen. It is a specific type of protein that is produced by the prostate gland. The normal PSA level in the blood is essential for the smooth functioning of the prostate gland. However, any change within the normal levels might indicate the presence of prostate cancer. Basically, it is a protein that is present in the prostate and semen. A small amount of the protein enters the bloodstream.
Nevertheless, prostate cancer cells produce more PSA than benign, and more than usual PSA enters the bloodstream.
Consequently, this may indicate the presence of prostate cancer. A simple blood sample is required to measure the PSA levels. The test reports come in nanograms of PSA per milliliter of blood.
What are Normal and Elevated PSA Levels?
A normal PSA level is based on the age group. A high level of PSA is generally acceptable in Older men. However, high levels of PSA in young men indicate other complications that call for the investigation. The normal PSA level is 2.5 ng/mL for men in their 40s. For men in their 50s, the normal level is 3.5 ng/mL. Further, the standard PSA level range differs on the age group:
- For ages 40-49, the normal PSA level range is below 2.5 ng/mL.
- For ages 50-59, the normal PSA level range is below 3.5 ng/mL.
- For ages 60-69, the normal PSA level range is below 4.5 ng/mL.
- For age 70+, the normal PSA level range is below 6.5 ng/mL.
What are the Factors that Impact the PSA levels?
- As men age, their PSA levels naturally tend to increase. In that regard, age plays a major role in the change of PSA levels.
- Inflammation of the prostate also elevates the PSA levels.
- An enlarged prostate due to BPH also elevates the PSA levels.
- If you have gone through a biopsy or any other prostate procedure, then it may spike the PSA level.
- A strenuous workout also slightly increases the PSA level.
- Some cardiac medications also increase the PSA level.
- An infection in the urinary tract may elevate PSA level.
What are the Risks of Elevated PSA Levels?
Elevated PSA levels may indicate the risk of prostate cancer by 25%. If men are over 50, there is a high risk of cancer. If the PSA level is high, then the health care provider may recommend additional tests, such as prostate gland screening, digital rectal exam (DRE), and prostate biopsy. This helps identify the cause of cancer.
In addition to this, there might be some other causes, including spinal tumors, and spinal tumor symptoms may appear in the form of elevated levels of PSA. In that regard, a full body scan plays an essential in detecting any abnormality within the body by taking images of different organs.
What is a Full Body Scan?
A full body scan helps in evaluating the overall health of the body. A full body scan relies on CT, which is computed tomography technology that captures the images of different organs of the body. This scan takes pictures of other organs. However, these images are not detailed. Rather, they just offer an overview of the abnormality. The highlight of the abnormality in any part of the body may lead to further testing and investigation. In that way, it helps in taking a proactive approach to address different health concerns. The process of a full body scan is simple, as you do not have to take any medicine prior to the scan. Further, there is no recovery time after the scan.
Conclusion
PSA level plays an integral role in men’s health. Therefore, it is essential that you take care of it and keep in check the PSA level. If you want to take a proactive approach concerning your health, then you might think about getting a full body scan, which acts as a tool for identifying any abnormality within the body. In that regard, ViaScan of Las Colinas offers comprehensive screening and PSA level tests. Along with tests and screening, they offer consultation services to help you in getting some relief.
