PSA should be used in diagnosing prostate cancer as:

PSA should be used in diagnosing prostate cancer as:

• A. Not highly reliable because other conditions can elevate it
• B. It is definitive proof of cancer when elevated
• C. It is not affected by prostatitis or infection
• D. A screening test that replaces biopsy

Answer: (D)

PSA serves as a screening tool that helps identify men who may need further testing for prostate cancer, not as a definitive diagnostic test. Elevations in PSA can be caused by many non-cancer conditions, such as prostatitis, urinary infection, or benign prostatic hyperplasia, as well as by recent ejaculation or a recent prostate procedure. Because of these non-specific factors, a higher PSA level does not prove that cancer is present. Conversely, a normal PSA does not completely rule out cancer, especially for some slower-growing tumors or very early cancers. Therefore, while PSA is useful for deciding who should get a biopsy and for monitoring disease, it cannot replace a biopsy when cancer confirmation is needed. A biopsy provides tissue for histology and is required to establish a cancer diagnosis.

PSA serves as a screening tool that helps identify men who may need further testing for prostate cancer, not as a definitive diagnostic test. Elevations in PSA can be caused by many non-cancer conditions, such as prostatitis, urinary infection, or benign prostatic hyperplasia, as well as by recent ejaculation or a recent prostate procedure. Because of these non-specific factors, a higher PSA level does not prove that cancer is present. Conversely, a normal PSA does not completely rule out cancer, especially for some slower-growing tumors or very early cancers. Therefore, while PSA is useful for deciding who should get a biopsy and for monitoring disease, it cannot replace a biopsy when cancer confirmation is needed. A biopsy provides tissue for histology and is required to establish a cancer diagnosis.