Data on PSA Test Numbers

[Guest guest]

Hi folks:

For reference:

" Results

Normal

Normal values may vary from lab to lab.

Because normal prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels seem to

increase with age, age-specific ranges may be used. However, the use

of age-specific ranges is controversial and some health professionals

prefer to use one range for all ages. For this reason, it is

important to discuss your test results with your health professional.

Total prostate-specific antigen (PSA)

Men younger than 40: Less than 2.0 nanograms per ml (ng/mL)

Men age 40 to 50: Less than 2.5 ng/mL

Men age 51 to 60: Less than 3.5 ng/mL

Men age 61 to 70: Less than 4.5 ng/mL

Men over age 70: Less than 6.5 ng/mL

Greater-than-normal total PSA values may mean:

PSA levels from 4 to 10 ng/mL are borderline. About 20% to 30% of men

(20 to 30 men in 100) with PSA levels in this range have prostate

cancer. A transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) and prostate biopsy are

needed to confirm cancer.

PSA levels above 10 ng/mL are high. About 40% to 60% of men (40 to 60

men in 100) with PSA levels in this range have prostate cancer. A

transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) and prostate biopsy are needed to

confirm cancer.

High levels do not always mean prostate cancer is present. PSA levels

may be high if the prostate gland is enlarged (benign prostatic

hypertrophy) or inflamed (prostatitis).

Another method of reporting PSA levels, called percent free prostate-

specific antigen (free PSA), may be used to help predict the chance

that a prostate problem is noncancerous (benign) or related to

cancer.

Free prostate-specific antigen (free PSA). Percent free PSA.

Probability of cancer:

>25%: 8%

20%–25%: 16%

15%–20%: 20%

10%–15%: 28%

<10%: 56%

Low free PSA values (less than 15%) are more likely to be caused by

prostate cancer than high free PSA values. "

http://my.webmd.com/hw/mens_conditions/hw5522.asp#hw5548

Rodney.