LGBTQ+ Inclusive Care
Receive inclusive LGBTQ+ medical care at Main Line Health in a compassionate and welcoming space at locations in the Philadelphia region.
Prostate-Specific Antigen Testing
What is prostate-specific antigen testing?
A PSA test measures prostate-specific antigen, a protein found in a man’s blood. While PSA levels tend to fluctuate, higher PSA levels may sometimes be an indication of prostate cancer or other conditions such as enlarged prostate. PSA testing is usually done in conjunction with a digital rectal exam (DRE).
The PSA test is controversial as research has shown it does not significantly affect prostate cancer outcomes and may in fact lead to “overdiagnosis” and “overtreatment.” The test may detect tumors that are not life-threatening and patients may undergo unnecessary surgery or radiation therapy, not to mention mental and emotional anguish, and side effects of treatment, such as bowel problems, erectile dysfunction, and infection. It has also been shown that finding prostate cancer early doesn’t necessarily help a man with an aggressive form of the disease.
Nonetheless PSA testing may be appropriate for certain men in certain age groups. An elderly man with limited life expectancy or who may not be able to withstand prostate cancer treatment, for example, may not be a candidate for PSA testing.
What to expect from PSA test
For those whose doctors recommend PSA testing, the test itself is quite simple. It requires a blood sample taken from a vein in the arm. For 24 hours prior to the blood work, you will be asked not to ejaculate. Depending on the results of your test, additional testing may be needed. Your doctor will explain the results to you and help determine next steps, if needed.
Because of the limitations of PSA testing, significant research is taking place to develop more specific testing and variations on the PSA test. As medical science evolves, the type of test may also change.
Palliative Care
Palliative care at Main Line Health is a service offered to seriously ill hospitalized patients. At the request of the patient's physician, the palliative care team recommends pain and symptom management.
Maternity (Obstetrics)
Our board-certified gynecologists are dedicated to serving you at every stage of your life, from adolescence to menopause and beyond. Whether you need treatment for common gynecological issues or advanced therapies and surgical expertise, we're here to provide comprehensive care and support.
Orthopaedics
Orthopaedic doctors at Main Line Health treat simple to complex sports and accident-related injuries as well as the painful effects of many conditions that limit your mobility and cause pain. Find an orthopaedic surgeon near me.
Trauma and Acute Care
Main Line Health provides life-saving care and urgent support at trauma centers located throughout the Philadelphia region.
Neurosurgery
Discover how Main Line Health neurosurgeons provide expert care, from routine to complex spinal and nervous system conditions for patients.
Allergy, Asthma and Immunology
The board-certified experts at Main Line Health can help develop treatments to control and manage your allergy and asthma symptoms.
Pain Management
Discover how Main Line Health experts serve Philadelphia by treating a wide range of conditions, including back, neck and oncology-related pain.