Added: Oct 24, 2008
Prostate Cancer spreads by 3 mechanisms- local spread, lymphatics, and the blood stream. The PSA or prostate specific antigen blood test is a predictor of spread. PSA usually rises slowly with age, a rapid rise in PSA is predictive of cancer. A PSA above 20 predicts disease that has already spread. BPH, and enlarged prostate, and inflammation of the prostate, and sexual intercourse also cause a high PSA. A high Free PSA % can also predict cancer.
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