What does PSA stand for in the context of prostate health?

In the context of prostate health, PSA refers to "Prostate-specific antigen." This is a protein produced by both normal and malignant cells of the prostate gland. The measurement of PSA levels in the blood is a crucial tool for screening and monitoring prostate conditions, particularly prostate cancer. Elevated PSA levels can indicate the presence of prostate cancer, though they can also be associated with benign conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia or prostatitis.

Understanding the role of PSA is essential in oncology, as it helps clinicians assess the risk of prostate cancer, guide further diagnostic testing, and monitor treatment efficacy over time. The significance of this biomarker lies in its specificity to prostate health, which distinguishes it from other potential interpretations that might derive from similar-sounding terms related to assessments or analyses.