int(3)

Prostate Cancer and Elevated PSA

What Is the Relationship Between Elevated PSA and Prostate Cancer?

Understanding how prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels relate to prostate cancer is an important part of protecting your prostate health. While elevated PSA levels do not automatically mean you have prostate cancer, they do signal the need for further evaluation.

PSA is a protein produced by both healthy and cancerous prostate cells. A PSA test measures the amount of this protein in your blood. Lower levels are generally considered normal, while higher levels may indicate an underlying prostate issue that requires additional assessment.

What Can Cause PSA Levels to Rise?

Elevated PSA levels can occur for several reasons, many of which are not related to cancer. Common causes include benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a noncancerous enlargement of the prostate, and prostatitis, which is an inflammation of the prostate.

Certain activities or conditions may also temporarily increase PSA levels, such as vigorous physical activity, urinary tract infections, or ejaculation shortly before testing.

What Happens If Your PSA Level Is High?

If your PSA level is elevated, there is no need to panic. An elevated result simply means additional information is needed. PSA testing is only one part of a comprehensive evaluation.

Your physician will consider multiple factors, including your age, family history, symptoms, and prior PSA results. Additional imaging studies may be recommended, or a prostate biopsy may be performed to examine a small tissue sample more closely. The primary goal of PSA monitoring is early detection, when prostate cancer is most treatable.

Next Steps After an Abnormal PSA Result

If PSA levels are higher than expected, your doctor may recommend one or more of the following:

  • Treatment for a noncancerous prostate condition 
  • Repeating the PSA test to confirm the results 
  • Performing a digital rectal exam to assess the prostate 
  • Ordering a prostate biopsy if abnormalities are found 
  • Discussing treatment options if prostate cancer is diagnosed 

Your care team here at Urology Associates of Charleston will guide you through each step, ensuring you understand your results and available options for maintaining your prostate health.