PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen, a protein produced by cancerous and non-cancerous prostate tissue, MayoClinic.com states. The prostate gland in men makes PSA, which helps liquefy semen, the sperm containing ejaculate fluid. PSA screening requires a blood test. Since both cancerous cells and some benign diseases can cause an increased production of PSA, several diseases can cause an elevated PSA. A normal PSA level is 4.0 nanograms per milliliter, ng/ml or less; although some feel the normal range should be lowered to 2.5 ng/ml, Lab Tests Online states.
Prostate Cancer
Cancer cells produce more PSA than non-cancerous cells in the prostate, so an elevated PSA level may indicate prostate cancer. Prostate cancer, normally a slow growing cancer, occurs more commonly in men over 65, with almost 63 percent of cases occurring in that age group, the National Cancer Institute states. Black men and those with a family history of the disease, men who eat a high fat diet and those who are obese are also more likely to develop prostate cancer. Symptoms of prostate cancer include difficulty urinating or a weak urine stream, blood in the urine or semen, bone pain or swelling in the legs, according to MayoClinic.com.
Cancer is likely to be present if the PSA is over 10 ng/ml, according to Lab Tests Online, with 67 percent of men with a level of 10 ng/ml or higher having prostate cancer. An elevated PSA should be followed by a digital rectal exam to detect an enlarged prostate and a biopsy to check for cancerous cells. Treatments include surgical removal of the prostate or radiation.
Prostatitis
Prostatitis, an inflammation of the prostate, can result because an acute bacterial infection or can be chronic, caused by trauma, immune disorders or nervous system disorders, the University of Maryland Medical Center states. Symptoms include pain or burning when urinating, frequent urination, especially at night, pain during ejaculation, and back, groin or abdominal pain. Pain may also be felt in the penis or testicles and blood may appear in the urine or semen. If an acute bacterial infection is causing prostatitis, a high fever and chills may occur. Antibiotics treat bacterial prostatitis, while medications that help relax the bladder and pain relievers treat chronic prostatitis.
Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy
Benign prostatic hypertrophy, also known as BPH, occurs commonly as men age, affecting as many as 90 percent of men 70 or older, the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse states. Symptoms include a weak urine stream, dribbling urine, urgency and increased need to urinate at night. BPH treatments include medication to inhibit production of DHT, a hormone involved with prostate enlargement, and alpha blockers, which relax smooth muscles and aid in increasing urine flow, says the University of Maryland Medical Center. Surgical treatments include removal of the prostate, laser or radiation.
