PSA Flashcards
This is a protein made by the prostate
PSA
What is PSA secreted by?
-Normal and neoplastic prostate tissue
What is the function of PSA
-Dissolve clotted semen and allow sperm to migrate upward into the female genital tract
T/F- PSA is a reliable immunocytochemical marker for primary and metastatic adenocarcinoma of the prostate
True
When is PSA high?
- Increased in most men with prostate cancer
- Increased with benign entities
- Indicator of recurrent adenocarcinoma post surgically
What can be performed to evaluate the size of or abnormalities of the prostate
DRE
What should a normal prostate feel like?
-Smooth, soft, and non-tender
Is the DRE recommended annually for the screening of prostate cancer?
NOPE
When is further evaluation warrented for prostate screening?
- When abnormalities are found on a DRE
- Patient complaints are present
What are S&S of prostate problems?
- Dribbling
- Frequency
- Trouble starting a stream
When should screening be discussed
At age 50
How do co-morbidities play a role in the discussion of prostate screening?
-If the co-morbidity limits their life to less than 10 years, there is no point in prostate screening because their comorbidity will kill them before their prostate will
When do men with a history of prostate cancer be screened?
at 45
Does PSA increase with age
Yes it does
Describe the sensitivity and specificity of PSA
Not specific or sensitive
What are some causes of PSA elevation
- Prostate cancer
- Prostate manipulation
- Benign prostatic hypertrophy
- Infection
- Inflammation
A DRE can _________ PSA
Increase
How many hours after a DRE can PSA be taken?
48-72 hours after
-if drawn before there can be falsely elevated levels
Do you know what PSA level is dangerous?
No- because the levels increase in age and there isn’t a set good number or a bad number
When is a biopsy of the prostate warrented?
- if the DRE shows a nodule or mass
- if PSA has increased significantly
why isn’t this saving
I don’t even know
