Acid Phosphatase - Prostatic Fraction

Prostate cancer is a disease that occurs in the prostate gland of men placed right next to the bladder in the pelvis. The prostate is a walnut-shaped sperm-producing organ in males, which provides nourishment and ensures the transportation of sperm. Once cancer begins in the gland, it might even spread to seminal vesicles.

Cancer in the prostate is one of the most commonly seen tumourous growth in males. It can occur in the form of the either malignant or benign variety.

Benign growths such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH):

• Are considered less threatening 
• Do not metastasize to other parts of the body 
• Once removed, slowly grow back 
• On the other hand, malignant growth of prostate cancer:
• Can turn out to be fatal
• Can invade surrounding parts of the growth, including lymph nodes or bone
• Can be removed but occasionally grow back

After spreading, the cancer cells in the prostate spread to different parts of the body and form new tumorous growth.

In the beginning, cancer exhibits no symptoms. With growth, there can be a variety of uncomfortable signs hinting toward tumourous growth: 

• Mild pain in the lower pelvic area 
• Recurrent urination, especially at night
• Pain and burning sensation while urinating 
• Hematuria or blood spots in the urine 
• Facing pain while ejaculating 
• Painful sensation in the lower back, upper thighs and hips
• Appetite loss 
• Unexplainable weight loss 
• Feeling of discomfort in the bones 
• Blood in semen

The typical causes of cancerous growth are due to:

• Age-related factors contribute to the occurrence of cancer in the prostate.
• Family history involving people with an ancestral record of cancer in the prostate gland.
• Smoking is directly related to the possible occurrence of cancerous cell growth.
• Lifestyle factors such as diet, obesity, lack of exercise etc., increase the risk of cancer.

Since there's no precise reason which can lead to the formation of cancerous growth in the body, timely screening assists in preventing cancer from spreading. The oncologist recommends the Acid Phosphatase - Prostatic Fraction test.

In this diagnosis, the collected blood sample undergoes an examination for Prostatic acid phosphatase. The PAP originates in the prostate gland and is also present in the bloodstream. The elevated level of Prostatic specific acid phosphatase depicts the presence of various cancer leukaemia, testicular cancer, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and noncancerous diseases.

Upon request, the blood sample is collected through the venipuncture technique. Before the extraction, the technician cleans the area using antiseptic. After the preparation, the assistant uses a surgical needle to withdraw blood for storing in an airtight vial for PSAP diagnosis.

Generally, the collection procedure doesn't carry severe side effects. However, in a few cases, including blood disorder patients, serious complications can occur, such as: 

• Swelling and bruising at the site of collection 
• Lightheadedness and nausea from a vasovagal reaction 
• Bleeding or blood clots under the skin 
• Infection due to the unhygienic needle usage 
• Soreness at the extraction site

Apollo 24|7 offers the Acid Phosphatase - Prostatic Fraction test with sample collection at your home.After the PSAP diagnosis, the experts recommend a variety of treatments for alleviating the symptoms of cancer and regulating the growth of the tumour, including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, medications and so on.