What does PSA stand for in the context of cancer?

PSA stands for Prostate-Specific Antigen, which is a protein produced by the cells of the prostate gland. In the context of cancer, particularly prostate cancer, PSA is important because it is used as a biomarker to help diagnose and monitor the disease. Elevated levels of PSA in the blood can indicate the presence of prostate cancer or other prostate conditions.

The significance of PSA testing lies in its ability to assist healthcare providers in making informed decisions about further diagnostic testing, treatment options, and monitoring disease progression or response to therapy. This makes it a critical component in the management of prostate health, especially for men who are at higher risk for prostate cancer.

Other options listed do not accurately reflect the commonly understood role of PSA in the context of cancer diagnosis and treatment. Plasma Specific Antigen, Prostate Signal Analysis, and Positional Surface Antigen do not represent established terms or concepts in oncology related to prostate cancer.