Usefulness of Total PSA Value in Prostate Diseases Diagnosis

INTRODUCTION: Analysis of total value of prostate specific antigen (PSAT), with the unavoidable digital rectal examination (DRE) is the basis of prostate cancer detection. AIM: The aim of this study was to determine the specificity and sensitivity of the total value of PSAT in the diagnosis of prostate cancer. The aim was also to determine the significance of PSAT in diagnosis of benign prostate hyperplasia, precancerous conditions and inflammatory and atrophic changes of the prostate. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data were collected from the “Register of PH biopsy” of Clinic of Urology, CCU Sarajevo. RESULTS: Analysis of correlation between the diagnosis and the PSAT value shows statistically significant negative correlation (r =-0,186; p = 0.006) in the sense that the value of the PSAT is highest in cancer patients, and the lowest in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. PSAT increases with age (r = 0.152; p = 0.025). For prostate cancer optimal sensitivity and specificity for PSAT value occurs at cut off value of> 8.6 ng /mL. Values lower than 2 ng/mL and higher than 10 ng/mL are most specific, and PPV increases with increasing value of PSAT. PSAT at values of <2 ng/mL and > 10 ng/mL are at high levels of specificity, and value > 10 ng / mL is also of high sensitivity in the detection of prostate cancer, and in this moment these values represent the optimal mode for the subsequent treatment. CONCLUSION: PSAT has a relative significance in the detection of prostate cancer, and should not be used as a guideline without DRE.