Understanding PSA: Its Emerging Role in Lung Cancer Management
Understanding PSA: Its Emerging Role in Lung Cancer Management
Blog Article
Lung cancer has one of the highest rates of death after cardiovascular diseases. In 2021, about 134,592 people died of this deadly cancer. However, some studies suggest that the early diagnosis of a tumor helps in increasing the life expectancy of a person. In that regard, some of you might have heard about PSA level, which is related to prostate cancer in men. While this is strictly related to prostate cancer in men, different biomarkers play an important role in the identification of cancer. Therefore, in this post, we will focus on explaining the PSA level and its role in lung cancer diagnosis.
What are PSA Levels?
PSA level stands for prostate-specific antigen levels. It stands for the measurement of protein produced by the prostate gland in the blood. The higher the PSA level, the higher the chances of the prostate gland. The level of PSA varies by age, and the level is regarded as elevated or non-elevated levels.
- For age 60 or above, the PSA level must be 4.0 mg/mL.
- For age 59 and younger, the PSA level must be at 2.5 mg/mL.
- For ages 4 to 10: Minimally elevated
- For ages 11 to 10: Moderately elevated
- For age 21: Highly elevated
The higher the level of PSA, the higher the chances of prostate cancer. However, the significant high level does not always indicate cancer. Sometimes, the level is high due to other reasons, such as recent sexual activity, benign prostate hyperplasia, or a rectal scan.
What is the Role of PSA Levels in the Diagnosis of Lung Cancer?
As per studies, PSA levels do not play any active role in the diagnosis of lung cancer. One of the potential benefits of this test is that it helps indicate the presence of prostate cancer before it starts to spread to other parts of the body. On the other hand, lung cancer is the abnormal growth of cells within the lungs. As per different studies, the exact cause of abnormal growth of cells is unknown. However, one of the main reasons is the exposure to toxic chemicals.
In addition to this, as per some studies, some types of lung cancer, such as adenocarcinoma, indicate a high level of PSA. In this regard, a positive result might indicate the presence of cancer in men.
What are the Symptoms of Lung Cancer?
High PSA levels or not, it is important to be aware of the symptoms of lung cancer. This particular cancer does not come to the surface until it reaches an advanced level. Some of the most common symptoms of lung cancer include the following:
- Extreme cough that does not go away and it causes extreme pain in the ribcage
- Continuous fever
- Extreme chest pain without any strenuous exercise
- Wheezing
- Shortness of breath
- Weight loss without any significant reason
- Feeling tired all the time
- Coughing up blood
Some other symptoms include chest infections that do not go away. In addition, you might witness repeated bouts of pneumonia along with enlarged lymph nodes within the area between the lungs. If you are having such symptoms, it is important to go to the doctor and get screening.
What is the Role of PSA Levels in Lung Cancer Treatment?
The measurement of PSA level does not play any active role in the treatment of lung cancer. It is a biomarker that is significantly related to prostate cancer. However, for the treatment of lung cancer, screening plays an important role. The screening not only helps with the early diagnosis of the cancer, but it also helps in evaluating the effectiveness of ongoing treatment.
Furthermore, the treatment depends upon the type of cancer. If it is diagnosed during the early stages, then medicines and therapy help in the recovery. However, sometimes, there is a need for surgery.
Choose a Reliable Screening Center
As stated, one of the ways for early diagnosis is lung screening. There are different types of screening, including CT scan, MRI scan, and X-ray. Irrespective of the kind of screening, you must go for a reliable screening center or the one suggested by your doctor. In that regard, ViaScan of Las Colinas offers all kinds of lung cancer screening to help people fight the cancer.
Conclusion
PSA stands for the measurement of protein produced by the prostate gland in the blood. The higher the PSA level, the higher the chances of the prostate gland. It does not play any important and active role in the diagnosis of lung cancer and its treatment. However, you must keep it in check the symptoms of cancer including extreme cough and bouts of pneumonia. Lung cancer is a deadly disease, but early diagnosis does help in increasing the life expectancy of a person. Report this page