What is an Elevated PSA Level?

The prostate is a small gland in the male reproductive system. It makes a protein called PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen). When something affects the prostate, like an infection, enlargement, or cancer, it can release more PSA into the blood. An elevated PSA level means there’s more PSA in your blood than usual.

What is Considered an Elevated PSA Level?

There’s no single “normal” PSA level for everyone. Doctors look at several factors to decide if your PSA level is too high, including:

• Your overall health.

• Your medical history.

• Your family history of prostate problems or cancer.

Does an Elevated PSA Level Mean I Have Prostate Cancer?

Not always. A high PSA level can be a sign of prostate cancer, but it can also be caused by other conditions. Doctors look at two things to check your risk:

1. Your PSA level: Higher levels mean a higher risk of prostate cancer.

2. Rising PSA levels: If your PSA keeps going up over time, it could be a sign of cancer.

A PSA level of 10 ng/ml or higher means you have a greater risk of prostate cancer, but it doesn’t mean you definitely have it.

What Causes an Elevated PSA?

The most common cause is prostate cancer, but other things can also raise your PSA level, such as:

• Enlarged prostate (BPH, a non-cancerous condition).

• Prostate inflammation (prostatitis).

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs).

• Using a urinary catheter.

• Certain medications, like testosterone therapy.

What are the Symptoms?

If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor:

• Trouble urinating (peeing).

• Needing to pee more often, especially at night.

• A weak or slow urine stream.

• Blood in your urine.

• Trouble holding your pee (leaking).

How is it Diagnosed?

If your PSA level is high, your doctor may do more tests, such as:

• More PSA tests to check for changes over time.

• A digital rectal exam (DRE) to feel the prostate.

• Imaging tests, like an MRI or ultrasound.

• A prostate biopsy (taking a small sample of tissue to check for cancer).

How is Elevated PSA Treated?

Treatment depends on the cause of the high PSA level. If it’s prostate cancer, options include:

• Active surveillance: Watching the cancer closely without immediate treatment.

• Surgery: Removing the prostate (prostatectomy).

• Radiation therapy: Using external or internal radiation to kill cancer cells.

• High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU): Using sound waves to destroy cancer.

• Cryotherapy: Freezing cancer cells to kill them.

• Hormone therapy: Lowering testosterone to slow cancer growth.

• Chemotherapy: Using drugs to kill cancer cells.

If your PSA level is high, don’t panic. It doesn’t always mean cancer, but it’s important to work with your doctor to find out the cause and get the right treatment.