A person wearing blue gloves holding PSA test background.

Elevated PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen)

An elevated PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) level indicates a higher-than-normal amount of a protein produced by the prostate gland in the blood. This can potentially signal prostate cancer, but it may also result from non-cancerous conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate).

If elevated, further testing like a prostate biopsy may be required to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

Signs and Symptoms

An elevated PSA does not cause other symptoms, but it may be a sign of certain conditions that affect your prostate. These conditions may cause other symptoms like:

  • May have urinary hesitancy, frequency, or weak stream (if due to BPH)

  • May signal prostate cancer, which is typically asymptomatic early on

Risk Factors

  • Age >50

  • African American race

  • Family history of prostate cancer

  • Recent ejaculation or prostate manipulation (transient elevation)

Treatment Options

  • Repeat testing

  • Prostate MRI

  • Biopsy if suspicious

  • Active surveillance, surgery, or radiation (if cancer is found)

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