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.
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.
Neurosurgery
Discover how Main Line Health neurosurgeons provide expert care, from routine to complex spinal and nervous system conditions for patients.
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.
Oral Care
Main Line Health dentists and oral surgeons can help you keep a healthy smile for a lifetime by visiting one of our locations throughout the Philadelphia area.
Bariatric Surgery
Weight loss solutions are available at Main Line Health. Explore your bariatric surgery options today at locations throughout the Philadelphia area.
Pediatrics
Learn how Main Line Health pediatricians collaborate with CHOP subspecialty doctors to provide the utmost optimal care for children.
Gender Care Program
We offer streamlined access to a team of medical, surgical, behavioral health and support specialists, in partnership with Main Line Health LGBTQ Inclusive Care for gender-affirming care.
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.