Specific marker for prostatic cancer is
**Core Concept**
Prostate cancer is a type of malignant neoplasm that arises from the epithelial cells of the prostate gland. Early detection of prostate cancer is crucial for effective management and treatment. Specific markers can help in identifying prostate cancer cells.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA). PSA is a glycoprotein produced by the prostate gland, and elevated levels of PSA in the blood can indicate prostate cancer. PSA is produced by both benign and malignant prostate cells, but the levels are significantly higher in patients with prostate cancer. The exact mechanism of PSA production is not fully understood, but it is thought to be involved in the liquefaction of semen. The PSA test is widely used for screening and monitoring prostate cancer.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This option is incorrect because Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) is the correct answer, not Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA-2). There is no widely recognized marker called PSA-2.
**Option B:** This option is incorrect because Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a tumor marker for hepatocellular carcinoma and certain germ cell tumors, not prostate cancer.
**Option C:** This option is incorrect because Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone produced during pregnancy and is used as a tumor marker for choriocarcinoma and other gestational trophoblastic diseases, not prostate cancer.
**Option D:** This option is incorrect because CEA (Carcinoembryonic antigen) is a tumor marker for colorectal cancer and other cancers, not prostate cancer.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The PSA test is not a definitive diagnostic tool for prostate cancer, but it can help identify patients who require further investigation, such as biopsy. A PSA level of 4 ng/mL or higher is generally considered abnormal.
**Correct Answer:** C. Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA).