$Unique_ID{BRK02065}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{The Prostate-Specific Antigen Test as a General Screening Procedure in
Middle-Aged Men}
$Subject{blood test prostate test prostate-specific antigen test PSA cancer
cells benign enlargement hypertrophy digital rectal examination ultrasound
test biopsy middle age}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Anatomy of the Male Reproductive System*0006001.scf
Cancer of the Prostate*0007601.scf
Benign Hypertrophy of the Prostate*0007602.scf}

Copyright (c) 1993  Tribune Media Services, Inc.


The Prostate-Specific Antigen Test as a General Screening Procedure in
Middle-Aged Men


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QUESTION:  During a recent office visit to my doctor, he took a number of
blood tests, though I had no complaints other than a bad cold.  I must now
visit again, for one of the tests, a prostate test, has been found to be
abnormal.  Still, his nurse assured me that it may not be anything to worry
about.  Would you please tell me what is going on?  I am losing sleep, just
worrying about what might be in store for me.

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ANSWER:  It is most probable that the test in question is a new screening
tool, the "prostate-specific antigen" (PSA), which is recommended as part of
the evaluation for men over the age of 50.  It tests for a specific chemical
(antigen) which is produced by the cells of the prostate.  When the results
show elevated amounts of this substance, it MAY indicate the presence of
cancer cells, which produce large quantities of the antigen.  However, since
the same antigen is produced by normal cells, a man with an enlarged prostate
due to benign enlargement (hypertrophy) may also be found to have an elevated
test finding.  That is the basis for the nurse's comments that you may not
have anything to worry about.
     When this test is used appropriately as a screening tool, an elevated
finding requires additional testing to determine if a cancer is really
present.  In addition to a digital rectal examination, an ultrasound test or
a biopsy can be used to fully evaluate the situation and make a correct
diagnosis.  So a return visit to the doctor's office is in order, as is
additional investigation.
     While the test is not as specific as we all would like, and a false
negative can cause worry and loss of sleep, an early diagnosis is so important
in fighting cancer of the prostate that we can rationalize the use of this
test as a general screening procedure in middle aged men.  Only when prostate
cancer is detected at its early stages, before it has had a chance to spread
to other parts of the body, can the surgical removal of the diseased gland
provide the desired cure.  Take heart and follow through, for ultimately that
is the best course to take to obtain the best results.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.