Prostate Cancer Screening in New Jersey

Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer occurs when a cancerous growth forms on or within the prostate gland. The prostate is a bodily gland that is responsible for the production of seminal fluid that aids in the transportation of sperm. Prostate cancer develops in the same manner as other cancers through the rapid development of abnormal cells. The cancer may invade nearby tissues and possibly begin to metastasize elsewhere – no longer being confined to the prostate.

Prostate Cancer Symptoms

Prostate Cancer typically produces little to no symptoms and detection can be difficult. If you experience any of the following symptoms contact an experience health care provider to receive immediate remedial treatment.

Screening for Prostate Cancer in Somerset County

This common type of male-related cancer is typically slow growing, however early detection is still optimal to promote your overall health and the application of successful treatment. If symptoms become noticeable, or if you want to confirm your current condition, a screening test is performed through a Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test.

Prostate Specific Antigen Test

The Prostate Specific Antigen test measures the level of PSA currently in the blood with malignant cells in the prostate. PSA is a protein produced in the prostate gland in which high levels of blood often relate to prostate cancer. In short, the higher level of PSA, the higher the possibility the patient may have prostate cancer. The results of this lab analyzed testing are read in nanograms per milliliter (ng/ML). A normal reading usually sits at 4.0 ng/ML.

Prostate Cancer Screening Near You

It is said that a PSA screening test tends to over-diagnose on occasion. Often times with an over-diagnosis, higher readings may be given back even if the cancer present may not produce harmful symptoms in a lifetime. A patient in this scenario may continue their life without treatment without experiencing any health altering effects from cancerous prostate cells. The experienced physicians and staff at Somerset Urological Associates are well trained and know how to accurately analyze these results no matter what the return reading shows. We will monitor your symptomatic feedback and guide you towards the best treatment path if necessary.

Who Should Receive a PSA Test?

A doctor will recommend a PSA test if prostate cancer runs in your family and/or you’re over the age of 40. Without this background medical history, The American Urological Association recommends that men under the age of 40 and those ages 40-54 that are not of average risk should not have the prostate-screening exam. Men ages 55-69 on the other hand should discuss the option of a PSA test and have it performed every two years.

Board Certified Urologists in Somerville, New Jersey

The physicians and staff at Somerset Urological Associates care for your overall well-being and we want to put you on a path towards an improved quality of life. If you believe prostate cancer may be present in your body, it’s safer to check than leaving the condition unattended. Feel free to contact us for a prostate cancer screening by calling 908-927-0300 to schedule an appointment. To learn more about SUA, please view the urological services available in our Somerville, New Jersey location or follow us on Facebook and Twitter for more information.