19/11/2025
PSA is a protein produced by the prostate and an enzyme responsible for the liquefaction of seminal fluid.
Contrary to popular belief, PSA is not a tumor marker, but an organ marker, because it is always detectable in the presence of the prostate gland and can have altered values not only in the case of tumor pathology. A simple blood test measures PSA levels, providing information on the health of the prostate gland.
A PSA level is typically considered normal when it is less than 4 ng/ml. However, it's important to note that this parameter should always be evaluated by a specialist to ensure it's correctly interpreted.
A higher-than-normal PSA value does not necessarily indicate the presence of cancer. However, an alteration in PSA represents a sign that should be examined further with your urologist, who will evaluate your medical history and any risk factors to decide whether further tests are necessary. It is important to emphasize, however, that PSA testing is one of the fundamental elements in prostate cancer screening, but it must always be accompanied by a urological examination to allow for a complete and correct evaluation.
According to international guidelines, PSA testing is recommended:
• Starting from 50 years old
• From 45 years of age in case of a family history of prostate cancer
• And up to approximately 75 years of age
A high PSA can depend on various conditions, not necessarily serious:
• benign enlargement of the prostate (BPH), which is very common with age and does not have any pathological significance
• inflammation or infection (prostatitis)
• recent sexual in*******se, urological examination, transrectal ultrasound
• prostate cancer (one of the possible causes, but it is not the most common)
Altered PSA itself does not cause direct symptoms, but it can be accompanied by:
• Need to urinate frequently
• Weak urinary stream
• Sensation of urgency or burning during urination
Treatment varies depending on the cause:
• Benign enlargement of the prostate: specific drugs and, if necessary, minimally invasive procedures, which improve control of urinary symptoms and therefore the quality of life of those who suffer from it.
• Prostate or infections/inflammations: antibiotic therapy in case of evidence of bacteria in the prostate, or only a decongestant.
• Prostate cancer: today there are many options ranging from active surveillance (i.e., monitoring the pathology before intervening with invasive treatments), to surgical or radiotherapy interventions, up to systemic therapy.
In all cases, prostate cancer treatment achieves excellent results if the disease is diagnosed early. Hence, the importance of undergoing regular check-ups and tests.
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