What is Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test?

Overview | Usage | Side Effects and Warnings

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Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test Overview

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein made by the prostate gland. The prostate is a walnut-sized gland in men, located near the bladder and rectum. It produces a fluid that is part of semen. Most PSA is released into semen, but some is released into the bloodstream. If there is a problem with the prostate, the PSA found in the blood can become elevated.

Anatomy of the Prostate

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test Usage

The PSA test is used to:

Screen for prostate cancer
Monitor treatment for prostate cancer
Help determine if cancer has returned in men who have already been treated for prostate cancer

An elevated PSA level may also be associated with prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) and an enlarged prostate ( benign prostatic hyperplasia ).

Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test Side Effects and Warnings

Call Your Doctor

After the test, call your doctor if any of the following occurs:

Bleeding from the puncture site
Red, swollen, or painful puncture site
If you have not heard from your doctor in 1-2 weeks