From the Guidelines
An increase in smooth muscle blood tests and PSA levels is a significant indicator of potential prostate issues, and it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider promptly for proper assessment and to rule out prostate cancer. PSA is a serum glycoprotein made by the normal prostate that is widely used as a tumor marker, because elevated PSA levels correlate directly with the risk of prostate cancer, as noted in a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine 1. According to a clinical practice guideline published in BMJ in 2018 1, if PSA is raised, the test is usually repeated, and men with persistently elevated PSA levels typically undergo a transrectal, ultrasound-guided, core-needle biopsy of the prostate to test for prostate cancer.
Key points to consider include:
- Normal PSA levels are generally below 4 ng/mL, though this varies by age
- Elevated PSA levels may suggest prostate inflammation, enlargement, or possibly prostate cancer
- Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), prostatitis, or recent ejaculation can also raise PSA levels
- Additional tests such as a digital rectal exam, prostate ultrasound, or possibly a prostate biopsy may be recommended to determine the cause
- Diagnostic imaging studies such as ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), bone scan, and computed tomography, are often also performed, especially in men presenting with higher risk disease, to check for disease spread, as outlined in the BMJ guideline 1.
While waiting for a medical appointment, it is essential to avoid activities that might further elevate PSA, such as cycling, ejaculation, or prostate manipulation for 48 hours before any follow-up blood tests. Early detection of prostate issues significantly improves treatment outcomes, so it is vital not to delay seeking medical attention. The most recent and highest quality study, published in BMJ in 2018 1, emphasizes the importance of prompt evaluation and appropriate management of elevated PSA levels to ensure the best possible outcomes.
From the Research
Increase in Smooth Muscle Blood Test and PSA
- An increase in smooth muscle blood test is not directly related to the provided studies, which focus on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and its role in prostate cancer screening and diagnosis 2, 3, 4, 5.
- However, an increase in PSA levels can be associated with various conditions, including prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and prostatitis 3, 6.
- The studies suggest that PSA levels can be used to predict the risk of prostate enlargement and prostate cancer 2, 3, 6.
- For example, a study found that men with higher PSA levels at baseline had a higher relative risk of prostate enlargement 6.
- Another study found that PSA levels can be used to identify men at risk of prostate cancer and guide treatment decisions 3.
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) and Prostate Cancer
- PSA is a protein produced by the prostate gland, and elevated PSA levels can indicate prostate cancer or other prostate-related conditions 2, 3, 4, 5.
- The studies discuss the role of PSA in prostate cancer screening, diagnosis, and treatment 2, 3, 4, 5.
- For example, a study found that PSA screening can reduce the risk of prostate cancer-specific mortality, but it also has potential harms such as false-positive results and complications of biopsy and treatment 2.
- Another study found that PSA levels can be used to monitor patients with prostate cancer and detect biochemical recurrence 5.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Prostate Cancer
- The studies discuss various diagnostic tools and treatments for prostate cancer, including PSA testing, biopsy, and imaging techniques such as PET/CT and MRI 3, 4, 5.
- For example, a study found that 68Ga-PSMA PET/CT combined with PET/ultrasound-guided biopsy can effectively diagnose clinically significant prostate cancer in men with previous negative biopsy results 4.
- Another study found that multiparametric prostate MRI can be used to evaluate local recurrence and overcome some of the limitations of PSMA PET/CT 5.