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Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) is a protein, which is produced by the
glandular tissue of the prostate. Although its exact function is unknown, PSA
probably plays a role in the liquefaction of the semen and sperm motility.
Discovered in 1971, PSA currently is the most important substance in blood
to detect prostate diseases.
In normal circumstances PSA is hardly present in blood (lower than 4 ng/mL), but PSA levels may be elevated in benign and malignant conditions.
It is generally accepted, that elevated PSA levels (higher than 4 ng/mL) are
suspect and, therefore, always give cause for further examination.
The cause of the diverging PSA values is currently unknown. However, it is
well-known that PSA levels increase with age without abnormalities of the prostate. In addition, factors such as ethnical background and size of the
prostate at the time of measurement seem to influence PSA levels.
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The MiraTes Prostate (PSA) HomeTest is a semiquantitative
test for the detection of PSA in blood. This means, that by using the MiraTes Prostate
(PSA) HomeTest it can be determined within what range the PSA level is.
For more information see instruction leaflet.
The MiraTes Prostate (PSA) HomeTest is especially convenient for men
between 45 and 60 years. In this age category, PSA levels above 4 ng/mL are always reason for further examination. Moreover, testing can be useful in
one or more of the following situations:
- urinary tract complaints
- periodically testing PSA may be useful in order to detect possible
diseases as soon as possible for men between 45 and 70 years
- for men with increased risk (African origin or history of prostate cancer
in the family) periodically testing PSA may already be useful from the
age of 40 years
- Men older than 60 to 70 years often have elevated PSA levels above 4
ng/mL without abnormalities of the prostate. In this age category PSA levels above 10 ng/mL are always cause for further examination.
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Determining the PSA level is not the same as testing for prostate cancer.
PSA may also be elevated in prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) or in
benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate). For men considering a test
for the determination of prostate cancer it is good to know that early detection has both advantages and disadvantages.
The following information might be of assistance with your decision to detect
prostate cancer in an early stage. If you need additional assistance or if you
have any questions, we would advice you to discuss this with your general practitioner or urologist.
- When symptoms occur, caused by prostate cancer, in 70% of the cases
cancer may be progressed so far that it can not be cured completely.
- Without early detection there are only few patients in which prostate
cancer is detected in a treatable stage.
- Determination of PSA enhances the possibilities to detect prostate
cancer, and additionally other prostate diseases in an early stage.
- The results of scientifical studies on the usefulness of large scale PSA
screening will be available over many years. For those who would not like to wait for these results, the home test provides a good alternative.
- Men with at least one first degree relative with prostate cancer are at
higher risk. They will have extra benefit with the possibility to detect a
elevated level of PSA in an early stage.
- It has not been proven that early detection of prostate cancer decreases
the mortality of the disease.
- Opinions of doctors differ on advising people to detect prostate cancer
early.
- Supplementary diagnostic examination (echography, biopsy) may be
psychologically and physically aggravating. Additionally, possible treatment may have serious complications in several cases (e.g.
incontinence and impotence).
- Currently, it is impossible to differentiate between aggressive and nonaggressive
prostate tumours.
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The MiraTes Prostate (PSA) HomeTest has been compared with a leading
commercial PSA test in elaborate clinical studies. The correlation between
these two PSA tests proved over 98%.
MiraTes advises an annual PSA check for all men older than 45 years and
for men from 40 years with an increased risk because of family history and/
or ethnical background. MiraTes offers a free reminder service for helping
you remind your annual Prostate (PSA) test. For subscription to this reminder
service, please send an email to:
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