Causes of High PSA that are not Cancer !

The prostate-specific antigen test is a blood test that measures levels of a protein the prostate gland produces. Men with prostate cancer usually have elevated levels of this protein, but heightened levels do not always mean cancer.

Other health conditions may also cause prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels to rise. In some cases, an elevated PSA is temporary and not a sign of a health problem at all.

Cells in the prostate gland produce PSA and levels typically remain below 4 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL).

Most men with prostate cancer have PSA levels above 4 ng/mL, but about 15 percent of men with a PSA level below 4 ng/mL are also diagnosed with prostate cancer. This means that a PSA test alone cannot rule out or diagnose prostate cancer but can identify whether a man is at higher risk of having or developing the disease.

Initial testing may include both a PSA test and a digital rectal exam (DRE). During this examination, a doctor inserts a finger into the rectum to check the prostate for abnormalities. Together, if these two tests suggest prostate cancer, then the doctor will arrange for a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis.

False positives - a high PSA level, but no cancer - on the PSA test are common. PSA levels rise with age and other factors. Men with high PSA levels should follow up with a doctor, but should not assume they have cancer.

A high PSA level may not always indicate prostate cancer.

Read more: Causes of High PSA that are not Cancer !

Source: MedicalNewsToday

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Bacterial Pneumonia - Get the Facts

Bacterial pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs due to some form of bacteria. There are different types of bacteria that may lead to the infection.

The lungs are made up of different sections or lobes. There are three lobes on the right and two on the left. Bacterial pneumonia can affect both lungs, one lung, or even just one section of a lung.

The lobes of the lungs are made up of small air sacs called alveoli. Normally, the air sacs fill with air. Oxygen is inhaled and carbon dioxide in exhaled.

When a person develops pneumonia, the air sacs become inflamed, which can cause them to fill with fluid. If the air sacs are filled with fluid instead of air, it can make breathing difficult. In some cases, the lungs may not get enough oxygen.

Read more: Bacterial Pneumonia - Get the Facts

Bacteria that cause pneumonia are spread through coughing. Doctors will carry out a chest X-ray to

assess fluid buildup in the lungs. An annual flu vaccine can help prevent pneumonia.

Source: medicalnewstoday

H. Pylori: Know the Facts

Helicobacter pylori, commonly called H. pylori, is a type of bacteria that can infect the stomach and small bowel. It was discovered in 1982 by two Australian researchers who found that it causes peptic ulcer disease.

Peptic ulcers are open sores in the lining of the stomach or the upper part of the small intestine. Peptic ulcers are often called "ulcers" or "stomach ulcers."

For years, medical experts believed that peptic ulcers were caused by stress or certain foods. After the discovery of H. pylori, however, this belief was put to rest. A study in Digestive and Liver Disease suggests that 60 to nearly 100 percent of peptic ulcers are associated with H. pylori.

Read more: H. Pylori: Know the Facts

H. pylori bacteria attack the protective lining of the stomach, causing ulcer, that can be diagnosed
with an endoscopy.

Source: medicalnewstoday

Gastritis: Facts, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

Gastritis is the inflammation of the stomach lining, which can have a multitude of causes.

The condition can be an acute (sudden onset, short-term) or chronic (persistent, long-term) issue that increases the risk of other conditions such as stomach ulcers, bleeding or cancer.

Facts about gastritis.

• Gastritis can increase the risk of other gastrointestinal conditions such as stomach ulcers and cancer
• People with gastritis typically report that their abdominal pain is located in the upper center of the abdomen
• Gastritis can also cause pain in the upper left portion of the stomach radiating to the back
• Pain caused by gastritis is often described as sharp, stabbing or burning
• Treatment of gastritis depends on the factors that caused the illness along with whether the disease is acute or chronic.

Causes of gastritis

Gastritis occurs when the protective mucus lining of the stomach is weakened. When this happens, the digestive juices in the stomach can damage and inflame the walls of the stomach.

Read more: Gastritis: Facts, Causes, Diagnosis and Treatment

Gastritis occurs when the mucus lining of the stomach is weakened, enabling the digestive juices
to damage the stomach wall.

Source: steptohealth