First PSA Test

Posted by Dan on August 04, 1999 at 10:33:23
My husband had his first PSA Test and it came back at 3.37.  The GP didn't seem overly concerned, I am wondering if he should have the checked out further with a specialist.  On the test form it said it was normal to 4.00.  Any advice would be apppreciated.  Thank You!!

Posted by HFHS M.D.-JS on August 11, 1999 at 13:10:27

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Thank you for your inquiry.  Prostate screening is performed on Caucasian men beginning at age of 50 unless there is family history or previous history of prostate cancer then screen at an earlier age.  In African American population screening is recommended at age of 40.  The screening exam consists of digital rectal exam and serum prostate specific antigen(PSA).  The combined tests help to detect prostate cancer at an earlier stage. Various guidelines have been established for PSA value according to age.  The value 4.0 is just a guideline to help detect cancer in the general population.  Depending on race these guidelines help to screen men at different ages to help detect cancer in men at a younger age.For Caucasian men between 40-50 PSA 2.5 or under is considered normal, 50-60 =3.5, 60-70=4.5,  African American population 40-50 yr age= 2.5 or under, 50-60=3.5, 60-70=4.5, >70=5.5.  If the PSA is elevated or the digital rectal exam is abnormal then a biopsy of the prostate should be performed.
Depending on your husband