PSA is a glycoprotein enzyme secreted by the prostate gland.
Elevated PSA levels may indicate prostate cancer, but can also be due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, or other non‑cancerous conditions.
Clinical uses include:
Screening for prostate cancer (especially in men over 50).
Monitoring known prostate cancer patients during and after treatment.
Evaluating prostate enlargement or inflammation.
PSA testing is often combined with digital rectal examination (DRE) and imaging for accurate diagnosis.
Interpretation requires caution, as PSA is not cancer‑specific and can be influenced by age, prostate size, and medical procedures.