Free PSA and prostate cancer: What you should know

Posted By Suborna Fermi Posted on Oct 22, 2024

The term PSA stands for Prostate Specific Antigen. PSA is a particular type of enzyme that binds with semen proteins. PSA is generated in the prostate gland and then it is released into the semen. It breaks the semen down, which makes the semen turn into a more liquified form. The more liquid the semen is, the easier it becomes for the semen to move sperm in the fallopian tubes of a woman. So it goes without saying that PSA has a very important role to play in the reproduction process.

What is prostate cancer?

The seminal fluid is generated by the prostate gland of men, which transports and nourishes sperm. Prostate cancer is a type of cancer that occurs in the prostate gland. The growth of prostate cancer can be either slow or aggressive. The good news is that prostate cancer is curable and treatment options are widely available nowadays.

Difference between the PSA test and the Free PSA test

The free PSA test is different from the PSA test. The main purpose of performing a PSA test is to detect prostate cancer in an individual. On the other hand, the free PSA test is purposed for confirming a PSA test report.

The PSA test reduces the need for unnecessary biopsies, however, you may still need a biopsy if the results of your free PSA test signify the risk of prostate cancer. Sometimes, patients are suggested to go for a free PSA test instead of a biopsy when the PSA levels in the patient’s body are a little elevated. So it’s easy to guess how important a free PSA test is to make sure that a person is having prostate cancer in the body or not, even after the person has gone through a PSA test. As mentioned before, it helps to confirm the PSA test result.

Things you need to know about a PSA test

The PSA test is performed on the blood sample of an individual. After appearing for the test, a little amount of blood will be drawn from the arm of the patient, on which the free PSA test is supposed to be performed. If your PSA level keeps rising with your age normally, then you may not have the risk of prostate cancer. However, the higher or lower your PSA levels are, the more your chances of facing prostate cancer are. You may get in touch with a genuine medical expert to know more in this regard.