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Elevated PSA

Prostate specific antigen (PSA) are proteins made in the prostate that circulate in the bloodstream. An elevated PSA could indicate prostate cancer. Other causes include an enlarged prostate (BPH), urination issues, or infection.

What is Elevated PSA?

Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is made by prostate cells. PSA acts to liquify semen. Both noncancerous and cancerous prostate cells make PSA, but cancerous cells tend to produce a larger amount. As a result, men with prostate cancer usually have high PSA levels, which the PSA blood test measures and screens.

High levels of PSA do not always mean cancer, and normal PSA levels do not guarantee cancer is not present. High levels of PSA may also result from an enlarged prostate (BPH) or prostatitis (prostate infection), urinating issue, or a bladder infection.

A PSA test, along with a digital rectal exam (doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger into the rectum) remains the best way to detect prostate cancer.

If prostate cancer is detected, PSA testing also can help determine the best treatments and prognosis.

What causes Elevated PSA?

While there are many different causes for an elevated PSA, it is most commonly due to one of the following: prostate cancer, enlarged prostate (BPH), urinary tract infection, inflammation, or trouble with urination.

Finding and treating prostate cancer early, when treatment might be more effective, may save lives. It is recommended that beginning at age 50, men should have a PSA test and DRE every year. Men at high risk, including African American men and men who have a father or brother with prostate cancer, should begin screening at age 40 to 45.

Symptoms

Often there are no symptoms associated with an elevated PSA; however, symptoms can include:

Sudden change in urinary habits
Symptoms like that of a urinary tract infection (i.e., burning with urination, urinary frequency or urgency, lower abdominal discomfort, or pelvic pain)

How is Elevated PSA diagnosed?

What to know before your visit to Michigan Institute of Urology in Southeast Michigan:

During your visit your doctor will ask you questions regarding your medical history and will perform an exam with focused attention to the abdomen and genitalia. Additionally, a digital rectal examination may be needed to thoroughly examine the prostate. Information regarding PSA history, personal and family cancer history, and voiding complaints will also be discussed.

Tests that may be performed during or after your visit:

Urinalysis: this evaluates for any blood in the urine or infection.
Post-void residual: The physician will often ask you to void and then check to make sure you are emptying your bladder.
Imaging may be performed: An MRI of the prostate involves an MRI of the pelvis and prostate. It may include contrast material and may involve placement of a probe into the rectum to aid in taking pictures of the prostate (but not always). The procedure typically lasts 30-45 minutes.
Additional blood work will often be needed.
Prostate needle biopsy (see Treatment)

How is Elevated PSA treated?

Prostate needle biopsy:

Transrectal prostate biopsy: This involves placement of an ultrasound probe into the rectum. We then measure the size of the prostate, provide local anesthetic, and perform biopsies of the prostate (typically 12 biopsies, but occasionally more). The procedure lasts approximately five minutes.

Transperineal prostate biopsy: This involves placement of an ultrasound probe in the rectum. However, instead of taking biopsies through the rectum, biopsies are taken through the skin located between the scrotum and the rectum (typically 12 biopsies are taken, but occasionally more). The procedure lasts approximately 10-15 minutes.