I recently went for a Laboratory test and my PSA was found to be normal. I want to know if this is a sign that I don’t have Prostate Cancer? I am 72-year old.
Chiazor (by SMS)
Yes, it’s possible to have an enlarged prostate (also called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH) and have a PSA level within the normal range. While an elevated PSA can indicate possible prostate issues, including cancer, a normal PSA doesn’t guarantee there’s nothing wrong.
This is why additional tests will be necessary. Even with a normal PSA, a person with symptoms of an enlarged prostate (difficulty urinating, frequent urination, etc.) might still need tests to check for other urinary problems. Sometimes doctors will recommend regular PSA testing over time to monitor any increases in levels potentially indicating prostate cancer development. While a normal PSA is a good sign, early-stage prostate cancer can sometimes hide within that normal range.
Additional tests might be needed, especially for those with risk factors. Examples of additional tests include; Digital Rectal Exam (DRE): A doctor can feel for prostate abnormalities, Ultrasound: Provides an image of the prostate gland, Biopsy: If there is a strong suspicion of cancer, this involves taking small tissue samples from the prostate for analysis.
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