What does a PSA test mean?
PSA is Prostate Specific Antigen. It is a protein produced only by the prostate gland and can be measured in a blood test. When the prostate is enlarged, over active or cancerous the amount of PSA produced increases. If the level of PSA in the blood exceeds a certain level then it indicates an abnormality in the prostate, but cannot show if there is cancer or just an excess of activity. Therefore further tests are usually performed, which may include a prostate biopsy, to see if there is cancer. After a prostate removal for cancer the level of PSA is monitored to check that all the cancer cells were removed. If not then additional treatment, like radiotherapy, is called for.
