UNDERSTANDING PSA TESTING: ITS ROLE IN LUNG CANCER DIAGNOSIS

Understanding PSA Testing: Its Role in Lung Cancer Diagnosis

Understanding PSA Testing: Its Role in Lung Cancer Diagnosis

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Prostate-specific antigen or PSA levels play an integral role in maintaining and monitoring the prostate health of men. The screening helps detect the presence of prostate cancer. The high levels of PSA can cause many problems. Thanks to the Internet, people are now aware of prostate health. However, people still do not pay much attention to it. As per recent studies, PSA levels play an integral role in detecting other cancers, such as lung cancer. The connection is quite intriguing as researchers are still researching. When combined with other diagnostic tools, PSA levels might help diagnose some other conditions. In this article, you will read about PSA Levels and their connection with lung cancer, if there is any. 

What are PSA Levels?


PSA stands for prostate-specific antigens. It refers to the amount of PSA present in the blood of men. Prostate specific antigen is a protein produced by the prostate gland, which is a small gland in the men's bodies. This gland also produces semen. 

Apart from that there is a level system of PSA. It is measured in nanograms per milliliter of blood. As per studies, the normal level of PSA is 4ng/ml. However, the normality of the level depends upon different factors such as age, lab, and medical condition or history of the person. The levels of PSA include the following: 

  • 4ng/ml is the normal level.

  • 4ng/ml to 10ng/ml is an elevated level. This may indicate the presence of cancer.

  • 10 ng/ml to 20 ng/ml suggests the presence of prostate cancer and other prostate conditions.

  • If it is more than 20 ng/ml, then it is a very high level, indicating advanced levels of prostate cancer. 


What is the Connection Between PSA Level and Lung Cancer?


According to studies, there is no direct link between PSA level and lung cancer. PSA is a protein specifically produced by the prostate gland. The high level indicates the abnormality within the prostate gland. Nevertheless, there are some indirect links between the two, including the following: 

  • Smoking is the highest risk factor for both prostate and lung cancer. Men who smoke have an elevated level of PSA as a result of inflammation and damage by smoking. 

  • Age is another risk factor; as men age, their PSA level increases. In addition, with aging, there is an increasing risk of lung cancer. 

  • Another risk factor for elevated PSA levels is chronic inflammation in the body due to any reason. 

  • According to some studies, hormonal change or activity also plays a role in the development of prostate and lung cancer. 

  • Lastly, genes are one of the biggest risk factors. If you have a family history of lung or prostate cancer, then you are at high risk of it and must go for screening. 


What are the Symptoms of Lung Cancer?


As stated above, there is no direct link between lung cancer and elevated PSA levels, but it is better to be aware of the symptoms of lung cancer. The most common symptoms include the following: 

  • A cough that does not go away

  • Frequent fever

  • Loss of breath 

  • Difficulty in breathing without any hard physical activity 

  • Sometimes, a sheer pain in the rib cage 

  • Loss of body weight 


Diagnostic Tools Involving Rib Cage 


A rib cage or thoracic cage is a complex structure. This complex structure plays an integral role in protecting major organs such as the heart, lungs, and blood vessels. In the case of lung cancer, there is a sharp pain in the cage. For the diagnosis of lung-related diseases, doctors rely on specific screening tests due to the complex structure of ribs.

  • A CT scan involves the use of computed tomography to capture detailed images of the lungs, including the rib structure. 

  • X-rays also help take images of the lungs and rib cage. 


What are the Implications for Early Detection and Treatment 


The implications for early detection of any condition, including prostate cancer, pneumonia, lung cancer, or any other diseases are important. 

  • Early detection helps in assessing the condition of tumors and allows doctors to select the most suitable and effective treatment procedure. At the advanced stage, there are very few treatment options available. 

  • Early detection also increases a person's life expectancy. 


Conclusion 


Prostate-specific antigen or PSA levels play an integral role in maintaining and monitoring the prostate health of men. The screening helps detect the presence of prostate cancer. According to studies, there is no direct link between lung and high PSA levels. However, it does not mean that you should ignore both; rather, if you have any symptoms, you must go for screening. For the screening, you may go to VisScan of Las Colinas because why not? This lab has a good reputation and has advanced technology to ensure the accuracy and reliability of results.

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