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
