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.
Stroke and Neurointervention
Main Line Health is one of few community health systems offering state-of-the-art neurointervention care. Through our collaboration with the Jefferson Hospital for Neuroscience, our Neurointervention Program is an accredited thrombectomy-capable stoke center.
Anesthesiology
Main Line Health’s anesthesiologists play a critical role in your total care before, during and after surgery.
Inpatient and Outpatient Rehabilitation
Learn how Main Line Health can change the lives of you and your loved ones through physical and cognitive rehab for several conditions and injuries.
Lung and Thoracic
Main Line Health experts use the latest technology to diagnose and treat all types of conditions affecting the chest, lungs and esophagus.
Audiology
Explore audiology services at Main Line Health, including hearing assessments, hearing aids and personalized solutions for a variety of auditory conditions.
Addiction
Expert-led rehab with personalized plans for effective addiction treatment and recovery.
General Surgery
General surgeons are doctors who are board certified as specialists in many different types of surgery. At Main Line Health, our general surgeons are an important part of your care team.