What to Do If Your Total Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Is High
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by the prostate gland. A high PSA level can be a sign of prostate cancer, but it can also be caused by other conditions, such as prostatitis or an enlarged prostate.
If your total PSA is high, your doctor will likely recommend further testing to rule out prostate cancer. This may include a digital rectal exam (DRE), a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS), or a prostate biopsy.
A DRE is a physical exam in which the doctor inserts a finger into your rectum to feel your prostate gland. A TRUS is an ultrasound exam that uses sound waves to create images of your prostate gland. A prostate biopsy is a procedure in which the doctor removes a small sample of tissue from your prostate gland for examination under a microscope.
If your PSA is high and your doctor rules out prostate cancer, they may recommend treatment for the underlying condition that is causing the high PSA. For example, if you have prostatitis, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. If you have an enlarged prostate, your doctor may recommend medication or surgery.
What to Do If Your Free PSA Is High
Free PSA is a form of PSA that is not bound to other proteins in the blood. A high free PSA level can be a sign of prostate cancer, but it can also be caused by other conditions, such as prostatitis or an enlarged prostate.
If your free PSA is high, your doctor will likely recommend further testing to rule out prostate cancer. This may include a DRE, a TRUS, or a prostate biopsy.
If your free PSA is high and your doctor rules out prostate cancer, they may recommend treatment for the underlying condition that is causing the high free PSA. For example, if you have prostatitis, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. If you have an enlarged prostate, your doctor may recommend medication or surgery.
When to See a Doctor
You should see a doctor if you have any of the following symptoms:
A high PSA level
A high free PSA level
Difficulty urinating
Painful urination
Blood in your urine or semen
Erectile dysfunction
A lump or swelling in your testicle
What to Expect at Your Doctor's Appointment
When you see your doctor, they will ask you about your symptoms and medical history. They will also perform a physical exam, including a DRE. Your doctor may also order blood tests, a TRUS, or a prostate biopsy.
Your doctor will use the results of your tests to determine the cause of your high PSA level. If your doctor rules out prostate cancer, they may recommend treatment for the underlying condition that is causing the high PSA.
Treatment for High PSA Levels
The treatment for high PSA levels depends on the underlying cause. For example, if you have prostatitis, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics. If you have an enlarged prostate, your doctor may recommend medication or surgery.
If your doctor diagnoses you with prostate cancer, they will discuss your treatment options with you. Treatment options for prostate cancer include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and hormone therapy.
Outlook for High PSA Levels
The outlook for high PSA levels depends on the underlying cause. If your high PSA level is caused by prostatitis or an enlarged prostate, the outlook is generally good. If your high PSA level is caused by prostate cancer, the outlook depends on the stage of the cancer.
Prevention of High PSA Levels
There is no sure way to prevent high PSA levels. However, you can reduce your risk of developing prostate cancer by:
Eating a healthy diet
Exercising regularly
Maintaining a healthy weight
Avoiding tobacco smoke
Getting regular screenings for prostate cancer
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