PSA and benign prostatic hyperplasia

In the opinion of many urologists, prostate-specific antigen (PSA), which is not specific of any disease, is not considered in the diagnosis and follow-up of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Nonetheless, prostate cancer diagnosis is based on PSA screening. PSA value is thus available for a majority of men above 50. Recent data suggest that there is a link between PSA value and BPH natural history, turning PSA into a tool. for BPH management and prevention of complications such as retention. It hasn't got into practice so far, as recommended criteria for PSA screening in BPH have not been issued. The debate over this topic is only at its beginning. (C) 2004 Elsevier SAS. Tous droits reserves.