Prostatic antigen, importance for early diagnosis

The specific prostate antigen test (PSA), which measures the levels of free and total PSA in the blood, is a diagnostic tool that all men should consider for the active surveillance of their prostate health. There are several convincing reasons why men should seriously consider this study.

1. Early detection of prostate cancer: Prostate cancer is one of the most common types of cancer in men, and its incidence increases with age. In its initial stages, it can be asymptomatic, which means that there are no obvious signs of the disease. The PSA test can detect high levels of this protein, which may indicate the presence of cancer in its early stages when the treatment options are broader and the successful rates are higher.

2. Discrimination between prostate conditions: Not all prostate problems are cancerous. Conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (HPB) and prostatitis can also cause an increase in PSA levels. The relationship between free and total PSA can help discriminate between these benign conditions and cancer, which can prevent unnecessary treatments and its possible side effects.

3. Prostatic health monitoring in men with risk factors: Men with a family history of prostate cancer or those of African descent have a greater risk of developing the disease. In these cases, PSA control can be even more crucial, and doctors may recommend starting detection at an earlier age.

4. Mental peace: Knowing that they are doing everything possible to keep up to your health can provide men with important tranquility. For those who care about the risk of prostate cancer, having results of the PSA test can relieve anxiety related to uncertainty.

Ultimately, performing the PSA test is a personal decision that can have significant implications in the health and well -being of an individual. With the proper orientation of a health professional, it can be a valuable part of a proactive regime of health care for men, especially as they age.