Prostate Specific Antigen (Noun)
Meaning
A protein manufactured exclusively by the prostate gland; PSA is produced for the ejaculate where it liquifies the semen and allows sperm cells to swim freely; elevated levels of PSA in blood serum are associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer.
Classification
Nouns denoting substances.
Examples
- Prostate specific antigen is an important marker for the early detection of prostate cancer, especially when detected at high levels in the blood serum of a patient.
- Men who are above 50 years old should consider taking regular tests to measure the level of prostate specific antigen in their blood as part of a regular check-up for prostate health.
- After prostate specific antigen is produced in the prostate gland, it moves through the seminal vesicles into the ejaculate, breaking down coagulated semen into liquid for better sperm motility.
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia can be monitored using levels of prostate specific antigen as they may become elevated during inflammation or increased size of the prostate gland.
- Regular tests that check for the levels of prostate specific antigen can greatly help to reduce mortality from prostate cancer as this type of cancer may exhibit minimal or no noticeable symptoms.