Intermediate
Technical
IVT
PSA
Also written as: PSA — prostate-specific antigen
Prostate-specific antigen, a protein measured in blood tests to screen for prostate cancer.
Full Definition
A glycoprotein produced by cells of the prostate gland, measured through blood testing as a biomarker for prostate cancer screening and monitoring. Elevated PSA levels may indicate prostate cancer, but can also be caused by benign conditions like prostatitis or benign prostatic hyperplasia. PSA testing is controversial due to concerns about overdiagnosis and overtreatment of indolent cancers.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize as PSA, not psa or Psa.
In Context
- "The patient's PSA level rose from 4.2 to 7.8 ng/mL over six months." — Laboratory report
- "PSA screening guidelines vary among professional organizations." — Clinical review
Also known as
prostate-specific antigen
Don't confuse with
PSI
PCA3