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PSA variability: A new factor
ARCHIVED CONTENT: As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date each article was posted or last reviewed. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
What's your PSA?
It's a simple question, but for many men who choose to have the prostate-specific antigen blood test to screen for prostate cancer, there is no simple answer. That's because PSA levels, like other biological functions, often vary. Since all prostate cells, both benign and malignant, produce the controversial protein, in most cases the swings have nothing to do with prostate cancer. And a new study sheds surprising light on a previously unsuspected reason for PSA variability.
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Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.