Early detection of prostate cancer: evaluating the diagnostic performance of prostate specific antigen by comparing with histological technique among africans.

This study was conducted to investigate the diagnostic performance characteristics of prostate specific antigen (PSA) by comparing serum PSA value with histological findings in patients suspevted of having prostate cancer in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital. Nigeria. Clinical and Laboratory records were examined and collated for serum PSA values, together with histological findings of biopsy specimen, clinical diagnosis, age of patients, and mode of presentation. The serum PSA values were determined by ELECSYS 1010 autoanalysers Roche, Germany based on electrochemiluminescence immunoassay technique. The results show that serum PSA values increase with age in the assymptomatic non-cancer patients who came for medical check up but were within normal limit. In prostatic disease conditions PSA values were raised in benign prostatic hyperplasia 35.957± 4.0315ng/ml, in undifferentiated carcinoma 56.22±4.295ng/ml and adenocarcinoma >100ng/ml as compared to the normal range (0-4ng/ml). These cases were confirmed by histological diagnosis. It is concluded that PSA evaluations is a sensitive marker for prostate cancer but because of various other conditions that affect serum PSA concentration, other methods of investigations such as Digital Rectal examination, Trans Urethral Ultra-Sonography and histological examination should be combined to confirm diagnosis. Prognosis of patients will be better if early diagnosis is made.