What are the causes of high PSA levels? How does the PSA test work? Explore the factors that can affect PSA results and the pros and cons of prostate cancer screening.

Understanding the PSA Test

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by both cancerous and non-cancerous prostate tissue. A small amount of PSA normally enters the bloodstream, but prostate cancer cells often produce more PSA than benign cells, causing PSA levels to rise. The PSA test is a blood test that measures the level of PSA in the blood, and it is commonly used as a screening tool for prostate cancer.

Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer

Understanding the risk factors for prostate cancer can help you determine if and when you should consider prostate cancer screening. The main risk factors include:

• Age: The risk of prostate cancer increases with age, with the highest risk after age 50.
• Race: Black men have a higher risk of developing and dying from prostate cancer.
• Family history: If a close family member was diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65, your risk is greater than average.
• Inherited gene mutations: Certain gene mutations, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2, can increase the risk of prostate cancer.
• Diet: A diet high in animal fats and low in vegetables may increase the risk of prostate cancer.

Pros and Cons of Prostate Cancer Screening

There are several potential benefits and drawbacks to prostate cancer screening with the PSA test:

Pros of PSA Screening

• PSA screening may help detect prostate cancer early, when it is more treatable.
• Early detection can lead to less aggressive treatment and reduce the risk of side effects.
• PSA testing is a simple, widely available blood test.
• For some men, knowing their PSA status can provide a sense of reassurance.
• The number of deaths from prostate cancer has decreased since the introduction of PSA testing.

Cons of PSA Screening

• Some prostate cancers are slow-growing and may never cause problems.
• Treatment for prostate cancer can have significant side effects, such as urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction.
• PSA tests are not foolproof, and can produce false-positive or false-negative results.
• A prostate cancer diagnosis can cause anxiety and complicate decision-making.
• The potential benefits of PSA screening may not be substantial enough to justify the cost and risks.

Factors that Affect PSA Levels

When interpreting PSA test results, your doctor will consider several factors in addition to the PSA number itself:

• Age: PSA levels naturally increase as you get older, even in the absence of cancer.
• Prostate size: A larger prostate gland can produce more PSA, leading to elevated levels.
• PSA velocity: How quickly your PSA levels are changing over time can be an important indicator.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as finasteride and dutasteride, can affect PSA measurements.

When to Consider Prostate Cancer Screening

The decision to undergo prostate cancer screening with a PSA test should be made in consultation with your healthcare provider, considering your individual risk factors and personal preferences. Some general guidelines include:

• Men at average risk should discuss the pros and cons of screening with their doctor starting at age 50.
• Men at higher risk, such as those with a family history or of African descent, may want to start the conversation earlier, around age 40 or 45.
• Men with a life expectancy of less than 10 years may not benefit from prostate cancer screening.

The Bottom Line

The PSA test can be a valuable tool for detecting prostate cancer, but it is not perfect. Understanding the factors that can affect PSA levels, as well as the potential benefits and drawbacks of prostate cancer screening, can help you make an informed decision about whether to undergo testing. Ultimately, the choice should be made in close consultation with your healthcare provider, considering your individual risk profile and personal preferences.

Prostate cancer screening: Should you get a PSA test?

Prostate cancer screening: Should you get a PSA test?

Making the decision to have a PSA test depends on a variety of factors. Here are some tips that can help you make a good decision.

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Cancer screening tests — including the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test to look for signs of prostate cancer — can be a good idea. Prostate cancer screening can help identify cancer early on, when treatment is most effective.

But it isn’t perfect. Some men may find that the downsides of prostate cancer screening outweigh the potential benefits.

Ultimately, whether to have prostate cancer screening is something you should decide after discussing it with your doctor, considering your risk factors and weighing your personal preferences.

Here’s information to help you prepare for a conversation with your doctor.

What is PSA?

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by both cancerous (malignant) and noncancerous (benign) prostate tissue. A small amount of PSA normally enters the bloodstream.

Prostate cancer cells usually make more PSA than do benign cells, causing PSA levels in your blood to rise.

Besides the PSA number itself, your doctor will consider a number of other factors to evaluate your PSA scores:

• Your age
• The size of your prostate gland
• How quickly your PSA levels are changing
• Whether you’re taking medications that affect PSA measurements, such as finasteride (Propecia, Proscar) and dutasteride (Avodart)

PSA testing is sometimes combined with a digital rectal exam (DRE) to feel the prostate for abnormalities.

What increases the risk of prostate cancer?

Knowing the risk factors for prostate cancer can help you determine if and when you want to begin prostate cancer screening. The main risk factors include:

• Age. As you get older, your risk of prostate cancer increases. After age 50, your chance of having prostate cancer is increased.
• Race. For reasons that aren’t well-understood, black men have a higher risk of developing and dying of prostate cancer.
• Family history. If a close family member — your father, uncle or brother — was diagnosed with prostate cancer before age 65, your risk of the disease is greater than average.
• Inherited gene mutations. Gene mutations associated with prostate cancer risk include BRCA1 and BRCA2. These genes are most closely associated with breast cancer, but they increase the risk of other types of cancer, too. Your doctor might recommend considering genetic testing if you have a strong family history of cancer or if a blood relative has been diagnosed with a gene mutation.
• Diet. A diet that’s high in animal fats and low in vegetables may increase your risk of prostate cancer.

What are the pros and cons of prostate cancer screening?

There are a number of pros and cons to the PSA test.

Pros of PSA screening	Cons of PSA screening
PSA screening may help you detect prostate cancer early.	Some prostate cancers are slow growing and never spread beyond the prostate gland.
Cancer is easier to treat and is more likely to be cured if it’s diagnosed in the early stages of the disease.	Not all prostate cancers need treatment. Treatment for prostate cancer may have risks and side effects, including urinary incontinence, erectile dysfunction or bowel dysfunction.
PSA testing can be done with a simple, widely available blood test.	PSA tests aren’t foolproof. It’s possible for your PSA levels to be elevated when cancer isn’t present, and to not be elevated when cancer is present.
For some men, knowing is better than not knowing. Having the test can provide you with a certain amount of reassurance — either that you probably don’t have prostate cancer or that you do have it and can now have it treated.	A diagnosis of prostate cancer can provoke anxiety and confusion. Concern that the cancer may not be life-threatening can make decision-making complicated.
The number of deaths from prostate cancer has gone down since PSA testing became available.	PSA testing has lowered deaths, but the number may not be substantial enough to justify the cost and possibility of harm to the person undergoing the testing.

What’s the advantage of a PSA test?

Detecting certain types of prostate cancer early can be critical. Elevated PSA results may reveal prostate cancer that’s likely to spread to other parts of your body (metastasize), or they may reveal a quick-growing cancer that’s likely to cause other problems.

Early treatment can help catch the cancer before it becomes life-threatening or causes serious symptoms. In some cases, identifying cancer early means you will need less aggressive treatment — thus reducing your risk of certain side effects, such as erectile dysfunction and incontinence.

What’s risky about a PSA test?

You may wonder how getting a test for prostate cancer could have a downside. After all, there’s little risk involved in the test itself — it requires simply drawing blood for evaluation in a lab.

However, there are some potential downsides once the results are in. These include:

• Elevated PSA levels can have other causes, such as benign prostate enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia) or prostate infection (prostatitis). These false-positives are common.
• Some prostate cancers may not produce much PSA. It’s possible to have what’s known as a “false-negative” — a test result that incorrectly indicates you don’t have prostate cancer when you do.
• Follow-up tests to check out the cause of an elevated PSA test can be invasive, stressful, expensive or time-consuming.
• Living with a slow-growing prostate cancer that doesn’t need treatment might cause stress and anxiety.

What do experts recommend?

Most medical organizations encourage men in their 50s to discuss the pros and cons of prostate cancer screening with their doctors. The discussion should include a review of your risk factors and your preferences about screening.

You might consider starting the discussions sooner if you’re black, have a family history of prostate cancer or have other risk factors.

If you choose to have prostate cancer screening, most organizations recommend stopping around age 70 or if you develop other serious medical conditions that limit your life expectancy.

Nov. 03, 2020

Show references

1. AskMayoExpert. Prostate cancer (adult). Rochester, Minn.: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; 2017.
2. Prostate cancer early detection. Plymouth Meeting, Pa.: National Comprehensive Cancer Network. https://www.nccn.org/professionals/physician_gls/default.aspx. Accessed Nov. 30, 2018.
3. Grossman DC, et al. Screening for prostate cancer: U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommendation statement. JAMA. 2018;319:1901.
4. Carter HB, et al. Early detection of prostate cancer: AUA guideline. American Urological Association. https://www.auanet.org/education/guidelines/prostate-cancer-detection. cfm. Accessed Nov. 30, 2018.
5. Smith RA, et al. Cancer screening in the United States, 2018: A review of current American Cancer Society guidelines and current issues in cancer screening. CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians, 2018;68:297.
6. Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test. National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/types/prostate/psa-fact-sheet. Accessed Nov. 30, 2018.

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Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test – National Cancer Institute

Several randomized clinical trials of prostate cancer screening have been carried out. One of the largest is the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian (PLCO) Cancer Screening Trial, which NCI conducted to determine whether certain screening tests can help reduce the numbers of deaths from several common cancers. In the prostate portion of the trial, the PSA test and DRE were evaluated for their ability to decrease a man’s chances of dying from prostate cancer.

The PLCO investigators found that men who underwent annual prostate cancer screening had a higher incidence of prostate cancer than men in the control group but the same rate of deaths from the disease (3). Overall, the results suggest that many men were treated for prostate cancers that would not have been detected in their lifetime without screening. Consequently, these men were exposed unnecessarily to the potential harms of treatment.

A second large trial, the European Randomized Study of Screening for Prostate Cancer (ERSPC), compared prostate cancer deaths in men randomly assigned to PSA-based screening or no screening. As in the PLCO, men in ERSPC who were screened for prostate cancer had a higher incidence of the disease than control men. In contrast to the PLCO, however, men who were screened had a lower rate of death from prostate cancer (4, 5).

A recent paper analyzed data from the PLCO using a complicated statistical model to account for the fact that some men in the PLCO trial who were assigned to the control group had nevertheless undergone PSA screening. This analysis suggested that the level of benefit in the PLCO and ERSPC trials were similar and that both trials were consistent with some reduction in prostate cancer death in association with prostate cancer screening (6). Such statistical modeling studies have important limitations and rely on unverified assumptions that can render their findings questionable (or more suitable for further study than to serve as a basis for screening guidelines). More importantly, the model could not provide an assessment of the balance of benefits versus harms from screening.

The United States Preventive Services Task Force has analyzed the data from all reported prostate cancer screening trials, principally from the PLCO and ERSPC trials, and estimated that, for every 1,000 men ages 55 to 69 years who are screened every 1 to 4 years for 10 to 15 years (7):

• About 1 death from prostate cancer would be avoided.
• 120 men would have a false-positive test result that leads to a biopsy, and some men who get a biopsy would experience at least moderately bothersome symptoms from the biopsy.
• 100 men would be diagnosed with prostate cancer. Of those, 80 would be treated (either immediately or after a period of active surveillance) with surgery or radiation. At least 60 of these men would have a serious complication from treatment, such as erectile dysfunction and/or urinary incontinence.

How Do I Find Out If I Have Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer is the most common form of cancer in men. The first test most doctors use to screen for prostate cancer is the PSA (prostate specific antigen) test. A high PSA level can indicate the presence of cancer. But other factors besides cancer can cause an elevated PSA level. If your PSA level is rising, learn more about your options for finding out if you have prostate cancer.

PSA and Prostate Cancer: What Do My Numbers Mean?

The prostate is a walnut-sized gland that sits below the bladder in men. It is responsible for creating semen, the milky liquid that carries sperm out of the body when a man ejaculates. 

A PSA (prostate specific antigen) test is a blood test used to screen for prostate cancers. PSA is a protein produced in the prostate by both cancerous and noncancerous tissue. Elevated PSA levels can indicate the presence of cancer, but high PSA levels can also be a result of non-cancerous conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or an infection. PSA levels also rise naturally as you age.

Elevated PSA levels do not necessarily mean that you have prostate cancer. PSA tests aren’t always accurate: many men who have prostate cancer have normal PSA levels. Alternatively, some men have high PSAs but don’t have cancer. Or they have a slow growing form of cancer that would never have had symptoms or caused them any harm.

I Have High PSA Levels: What Next?

If your PSA shows elevated levels, you might be concerned, anxious, or worried. But an elevated PSA alone is not enough to indicate that you have cancer. Doctors must use other tools to learn more about what might be causing your elevated PSA level.

Digital Rectal Exam

A digital rectal exam is usually done at the same time that your doctor orders a PSA test. For a digital rectal exam, your doctor will insert a lubricated, gloved finger into your rectum to feel your prostate. By pressing on your prostate, your doctor may be able to detect any lumps or hard areas that might indicate the presence of cancer.

Prostate MRI

A prostate MRI is non-invasive imaging alternative that your doctor might recommend if your PSA levels are elevated. Often, it is the next step after a PSA test and a digital rectal exam, and before a more invasive prostate biopsy.

MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging. An MRI machine uses magnetic and radio waves to produce detailed images of soft tissues and structures in the body, like the prostate. Prostate MRIs last about 30-45 minutes, and they are painless and non-invasive. A prostate MRI is accurate at detecting cancers, and can also detect other conditions like infections or BPH. Click here to read our article about what to expect when having a Prostate MRI.

Prostate Biopsy

If the results of your MRI are inconclusive, your doctor might next recommend a traditional prostate biopsy. A biopsy is a procedure that uses a needle to collect tissue from an organ or other part of your body. A prostate biopsy is usually performed with ultrasound guidance, so that the doctor can better tell where to guide the needle.

During the biopsy, a sterilized ultrasound probe is inserted into the patient’s rectum. Next, a physician will guide a very fine needle through the walls of the rectum and into the prostate. This needle will capture a tissue sample from the prostate gland. The doctor will repeat the process of guiding the needle into the prostate 6-12 times to get samples from different areas of the prostate.

Though ultrasound helps guide the needles to the prostate, it isn’t precise enough to tell cancerous tissue from normal tissue. Doctors do their best to take samples from all over the prostate, in the hopes that, if a harmful tumor is present, they will sample it. But if none of the samples taken is of an area with a tumor, that tumor might be missed.

MRI/Ultrasound Fusion Guided Biopsy: Working Together For Your Health

At UVA Health, we are proud to offer a new prostate cancer detection option: MRI/ultrasound fusion guided biopsy. Through a unique partnership between the UVA Radiology and Urology departments, we are able to use MRI imaging to help guide a biopsy in real time. This makes the biopsy much more accurate. It also reduces the risk of false negative or false positive results, and decreases the odds that you may have to repeat a biopsy.

How Fusion Guided Biopsy Works

First, a patient will have a prostate MRI. The MRI will image the prostate and any abnormalities in much greater detail than the ultrasound used for traditional biopsies. This allows the radiologist to better distinguish between abnormal and regular tissue.

Next, the patient will have an ultrasound-guided biopsy. A special machine attaches to the ultrasound probe and overlays the MRI image onto the ultrasound image. So when the doctor moves the ultrasound probe, the detailed MRI image moves with it in real time. 

The doctor then biopsies the prostate with fine needles, using the MRI image to guide the needles directly to the areas with tumors or abnormal tissue. Because the MRI images are so detailed, doctors can more precisely target exactly where they need to biopsy. This means that far fewer clinically significant tumors are missed. This strategy also helps reduce the number of biopsies a patient might need by giving the doctor better information the first time.

High PSA Levels? Consider Fusion Guided Biopsy at UVA Health

The UVA Radiology and Urology departments are proud to offer fusion guided biopsies for patients who need to be screened for prostate cancer. If you have elevated PSA levels, speak to your doctor about having a fusion guided biopsy at UVA Health.

I Have High PSA Levels: How Do I Find Out If I Have Prostate Cancer? was last modified: January 20th, 2020 by uvaradweb

PSA test | Prostate Cancer UK

Having a PSA test

You can have a PSA test at your GP surgery. Your GP or practice nurse might talk to you about having a PSA test if you’re worried about prostate problems, if you’re at increased risk of getting prostate cancer, or if you have symptoms such as problems urinating.

What will happen at the GP surgery?

If you don’t have any symptoms, your GP or practice nurse should talk to you about the advantages and disadvantages of the PSA test before you decide whether to have one. You should tell them if anyone in your family has had prostate or breast cancer.

Your GP or practice nurse will also talk to you about your general health and any other health problems. If you have a serious health problem that means you wouldn’t be fit enough for treatment for prostate cancer, or if treatment wouldn’t help you to live longer, your GP may not recommend having a PSA test unless you have symptoms of a possible prostate problem.

If you decide you want a PSA test, your GP may also suggest doing a digital rectal examination (DRE) – sometimes known as a physical prostate exam – and a urine test to rule out a urine infection.

What does the PSA test involve?

A sample of your blood is taken and sent to a laboratory to be tested. The amount of PSA in your blood is measured in nanograms (a billionth of a gram) per millilitre of blood (ng/ml). You can eat and drink as normal before having a PSA test.

It can take one to two weeks to get your test results.

PSA testing in the community

You may see PSA tests being offered in places such as community centres or football stadiums. If you’re thinking about having a PSA test at this type of event, make sure a doctor or nurse will be there to give you information and support.

If you can, it’s usually best to visit your GP if you’re thinking about having a PSA test. If you do have a PSA test in the community you should visit your GP to discuss the results, especially if you have a raised PSA level.

High PSA Level? Check it Again

May 27, 2003 — The PSA blood test is commonly used to check for signs of prostate cancer or other prostate problems. When a PSA level comes back high, the next step is often a biopsy. But a new study suggests another course of action: Another PSA test done more than a month later.

That’s because PSA levels can fluctuate up and down — so a man with a high PSA level may not actually have any prostate problems at all. In fact, after studying nearly 1,000 men, researchers found that about half of those whose PSA levels were initially high had a normal result in a subsequent test.

But unfortunately, says the study’s lead researcher, James Eastham, MD, FACS, of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, the initial finding of an elevated PSA is enough to warrant one of three typical responses from doctors.

“The first scenario, and a common one, is that the patient is referred for a biopsy, which may be unnecessary and painful,” Eastham tells WebMD. “The second is that the PSA is immediately repeated, within a week or so. But that will only take into account any possible lab error, since it’s not enough time to get a handle on natural fluctuations. And the third scenario is that the patient is assumed to have inflammation or infection in the prostate, and put on antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs.”

Instead, Eastham suggests taking no action until another test is done four to six weeks later — a time period that he says allows for a natural decrease in fluctuating PSA levels.

“The bottom line is that the recommendation for a biopsy should not be based on a single elevated test result, and a second test shouldn’t be given too soon after the first,” he says.

In fact, even after a second test produced elevated PSA levels, biopsy detected prostate cancer in only one of four of study participants, according to Eastham’s findings, published in the May 28 issue of TheJournal of the American Medical Association.

“But the study is unable to determine how many men with an elevated PSA level who later returned to normal still could have had prostate cancer — subsequent ‘normal’ tests may actually have been false negatives,” says Richard M. Hoffman, MD, MPH, of the University of New Mexico School of Medicine.

Controversial Test

The PSA blood test, first introduced in the U.S. in 1986, is still a controversial test for prostate cancer. Even though a PSA test is likely to detect prostate cancer at an earlier stage, there is no evidence that the test saves lives. This is because prostate cancer is generally slow-growing and typically strikes men at an older age, when they are more likely to die from other causes. Thus, treating prostate cancer in some men, the argument goes, may cause more harm than benefit.

“Men don’t realize the downside to a PSA test,” Evelyn C. Y. Chan, MD, of the University of Texas-Houston Medical School, tells WebMD. “There are false positives associated with this test, and there are false negatives. And it has never been established that the PSA test is going to reduce deaths caused by prostate cancer.”

A high PSA level indicates some abnormality in the prostate — possibly cancer, but also any type of prostate infection or prostate enlargement, which occurs in most men after age 50. Even ejaculation within two days of having a PSA test may result in artificially high levels suggesting a “false positive.”

“My suggestion for men considering the test is that they ask their doctor whether or not a PSA is the right test for them — and then ask their doctors why,” Chan tells WebMD. “Don’t feel that this is a test that everyone agrees upon and recommends.”

The American Urological Association, the American Cancer Society, and the American College of Physicians recommend that doctors discuss PSA and other screening tests each year with men older than age 50, high-risk men, black men, or those with a family history of prostate cancer, should talk to their doctor at age 40.

Meanwhile, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force and the National Cancer Institute are opposed to routine PSA screening, believing the risks of follow-up tests and the side effects of treatment may outweigh the possible benefits for many men.

“I believe the PSA test saves lives,” Eastham tells WebMD. “But there are many factors that influence PSA levels, so the test needs to be used with confirming evidence before undue worry or undue procedures.”

PSA Test and PSA Levels Explained

What Is Prostate-Specific Antigen?

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is something made by the prostate gland. High PSA levels may be a sign of prostate cancer, a noncancerous condition such as prostatitis, or an enlarged prostate gland.

What Are Normal PSA Levels?

There’s no such thing as a normal PSA for any man at any given age, but most men with prostate cancer have a higher than normal level. In general:

If your PSA results are in the borderline range (4 to 10), the % free PSA can be useful in helping distinguish between prostate cancer or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The pattern is the opposite of that seen with PSA in that a high % free PSA—above 20%—points to BPH, while a %- free PSA less than 10% indicates a greater likelihood of cancer. 

How Is The PSA Screening Test Done?

The test involves taking blood, usually from your arm. The doctor will send the sample to a lab. Results most often come back within several days.

When Should I Have My PSA Levels Tested?

The first thing to do is talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of prostate cancer screening before you decide whether to be tested. Don’t get tested until you have that talk. Opinions differ about when you should do that.

The American Cancer Society says to get tested at age:

• 40 or 45 if you’re at high risk
• 50 if you’re at average risk

The American Urological Association suggests:

• Under 40: No screening
• 40 to 54: No screening if you’re at average risk. If you’re at a high risk, you and your doctor can decide.
• 55 to 69: Screening if your doctor suggests
• Over 70 or less than a 10-15 year life expectancy: No screening

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force says:

If your doctor thinks you might have prostate cancer based on either a PSA level or a rectal exam, a biopsy is the next step. This is a test where the doctor takes a small amount of tissue from your prostate and sends it to a lab for tests. It’s the only way to be sure you have cancer.

What Does a High PSA Level Mean?

High PSA levels could be a sign of prostate cancer or a different condition like prostatitis or an enlarged prostate.

Other things can affect your PSA level:

If your PSA level is high, your doctor may suggest that you get a prostate biopsy to test for cancer.

Alternative PSA Testing

Newer PSA tests may help the doctor decide if you need a biopsy. But know that doctors don’t always agree on how to use or understand the results of these tests.

• Percent-free PSA. PSA takes two major forms in the blood. One is attached to blood proteins. The other moves around freely. The percent-free PSA test shows how much PSA moves freely compared to the total PSA level. The amount of free PSA is lower in men with prostate cancer. If your PSA results are in the borderline range (4 to 10), a low percent-free PSA (less than 10%) means there’s about a 50% chance you have prostate cancer. You should probably have a biopsy. Some doctors suggest biopsies for men whose percent-free PSA is 20 or less.
• PSA velocity. The PSA velocity isn’t a separate test. Instead, it’s a measure of the change in your PSA levels over time. Even when the total PSA value isn’t higher than 4, a high PSA velocity (a rise of more than 0.75 ng/mL in 1 year) means you might have cancer and should consider a biopsy.
• Urine PCA3 test. This urine test looks for a mix of genes that shows up in 50% of PSA-tested men with prostate cancer. It’s another tool to decide if you need a biopsy.

Problems With the PSA Test

There are reasons doctors don’t agree on whether you need this test:

• Finding prostate cancer early doesn’t always protect you. The PSA test often finds small, slow-growing tumors that aren’t life-threatening. Treating them anyway, whether it’s with surgery or radiation, can expose you to harmful side effects and complications. Also, finding cancer early may not help if you have an aggressive tumor or if it spread to distant body parts before you found it.
• The results aren’t always accurate. If you have a high level but you don’t have cancer, the test results can create a lot of worry and lead to medical procedures you don’t need. A negative result if you really do have cancer can prevent you from getting treatment you do need.

Using the PSA Blood Test After Prostate Cancer Diagnosis

Although the PSA test is used mainly to check for prostate cancer, it can also help your doctor:

• Choose a treatment. Along with an exam and tumor stage, the PSA test can help determine how advanced a prostate cancer is. This may affect treatment options.
• Check treatment success. After surgery or radiation, the doctor can watch your PSA level to see if the treatment worked. PSA levels normally fall if all of the cancer cells were removed or destroyed. A rising PSA level can mean that prostate cancer cells are present and your cancer has returned.

If you choose a watchful waiting approach to treatment, your PSA level can tell your doctor if the disease is progressing. If so, you’ll need to think about active treatment.

During hormone therapy, the PSA level can show how well the treatment is working and when it’s time to try another treatment.

Elevated PSA – Urologist Manhasset, NY

Overview

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by both cancerous and noncancerous tissue in the prostate gland. PSA is most often found in semen, which is also produced in the prostate. However, small amounts of PSA ordinarily circulate in the blood. Elevated levels of PSA may indicate prostate cancer, but other conditions, such as an enlarged or inflamed prostate, can also increase PSA levels. 

Noncancerous causes of a high PSA levels

Besides prostate cancer, other factors might contribute to elevated PSA levels, including:

Age 

A person’s PSA levels tend to increase with age. This normal rise may be caused by the growth of benign, prostatic tissue. Men who are older than 50 should speak with their doctor about their risk of developing prostate cancer. 

Prostatitis (prostate inflammation)

Prostatitis is swelling and inflammation of the prostate gland. This condition may occur due to bacteria that leaks into the prostate gland from the urinary tract and may increase PSA levels. Symptoms of prostatitis may include:

• Difficulty and pain when urinating
• Pressure in the rectum
• Lower back or abdominal pain 

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), also known as enlarged prostate, is common in older men and can raise PSA levels. Common symptoms include:

• Difficulty initiating urination
• Weak urine output
• Urgent need to urinate
• Inability to empty bladder completely

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

UTI’s can also cause PSA levels to rise. A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary system, including the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra. Most infections involve the lower urinary tract, which consists of the bladder and the urethra. UTIs can cause pain during urination, blood in the urine, or an inability to urinate. 

Medical procedures

Any procedure that causes temporary bruising or trauma to the groin can affect PSA levels. This can include the insertion of any type of instrument, such as a surgical scope, into the bladder.

Symptoms of prostate cancer

Prostate cancer may not cause symptoms at all. However, symptoms may include:

• Painful ejaculation
• Blood in the semen or urine
• A weak flow of urine
• Problems urinating
• Pain in the hip, pelvis, lower back, or thigh
• A burning sensation when urinating

Diagnosis

Numerous conditions can lead to elevated PSA levels. If you are diagnosed with high PSA, there is no need to assume the worst. Your physician will administer a variety of tests to determine the exact cause of your high PSA and develop a treatment plan if necessary. 

Treatment

Elevated PSA levels can mean many things, so it is important to talk to your doctor. Your doctor will create a treatment plan based on your health history and symptoms. This may include lifestyle changes or medication. 

90,000 increase in PSA level

Elevated PSA levels may be a sign of prostate cancer, but there are other reasons. An increase in PSA levels alone is not the basis for a prostate biopsy.

To find out the reason for the increase in PSA levels, it is necessary to initially carry out all possible non-invasive diagnostic methods. High PSA levels are often caused by benign enlargement of the prostate, difficulty urinating, and bacterial inflammation of the prostate.In these cases, biopsy is not necessary. However, if during the examination there is a suspicion of the presence of prostate cancer, then it is necessary to very carefully plan the biopsy with the involvement of new methods. We are opposed to the so-called randomized biopsy (randomly selected sections of the prostate) through the rectum.

Real-time elastography allows the visualization of lumps typical of cancerous tissue changes long before they can be felt with the fingers.In addition, this method allows an early assessment of the localization of a malignant tumor and its size. We have been using this ultrasound examination method in our clinic since February 2008. If, as a result of the prescribed examinations, the suspicion of prostate cancer increases, an MRI diagnosis may be required. Histological confirmation of the diagnosis occurs by removing several tissue samples not through the rectum, but through the skin. Positron emission tomography (PET / CT) can also visualize tumor tissue metabolism.In addition, a very accurate diagnosis of the scale of the disease is possible, which is important for choosing a further method of treatment. Due to the prescribed examinations, biopsy can be avoided in many cases. The information obtained is so extensive that in some cases it is possible to carry out organ-preserving treatment, for example, by means of high-intensity ultrasound (HIFU).

90,000 PSA in the blood. What does it mean and what does it say.

PSA blood test – a laboratory blood test, the purpose of which is to determine the amount of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in a man’s blood.PSA is a protein produced in the male body by the prostate gland. Elevated PSA in the blood of a man indicates an abnormal function of the prostate gland and should be the first “bell” for a man. When PSA is elevated, this does not necessarily indicate the presence of a cancerous tumor in the gland, it can also indicate any inflammatory processes in the prostate.

PSA test and its results are the reason for the attending urologist for further actions in the treatment / diagnosis of the patient.Blood donation for PSA is included in the standard list of procedures for the diagnosis of the prostate at the European Prostate Center.

After a free consultation with our medical coordinator, you will know:

Normal PSA

A man’s body is designed in such a way that the prostate grows in size with age – this is natural. Together with the prostate, the PSA value also increases, measured by PSA in nanograms per milliliter. Therefore, when we talk about “normal PSA level”, it is important to understand what age the patient is talking about.Table with normal PSA values ​​according to age:

Elevated PSA, in combination with other examinations: MRI of the prostate, rectal examination, TRUS, may serve as a reason for the treating urologist to refer the patient for a prostate biopsy.

Very rare patients, we are talking about about 1% of cases, when even with low / normal PSA there is a chance that the patient has prostate cancer. Practice shows that in such cases we are talking about aggressive forms of prostate cancer.

By itself, an elevated PSA does not indicate the presence of prostate cancer. However, urological clinics in Germany keep statistics and have developed the following table, which draws a parallel between the PSA value and the chance of detecting prostate cancer during a prostate biopsy.Statistics based on a survey of 2,267 men: 93,005

According to statistics, 13% of men over 55 years of age have a PSA value in the blood of more than 4 ng / ml, but this does not mean that they have prostate cancer. As mentioned earlier, increased PSA can be caused by both prostate cancer and prostate adenoma (benign hyperplasia), prostatitis, and infections in the genitourinary system.

German urological standard – if the PSA value is above 10 ng / ml, osteoscintigraphy of the skeletal bones is indicated

European Prostate Center

Reliable information about the nature of the disease: prostate adenoma or prostate cancer can be obtained only after a prostate biopsy.Today, prostate biopsy is the only method that can determine the nature of the neoplasm with a 100% guarantee.

PSA total and free

Blood test for PSA, in the diagnosis of prostate cancer is used as a tumor marker. There are 2 values ​​of PSA in the blood: free and bound, the sum of the two values ​​is total PSA. The ratio of free PSA in total is expressed as a percentage and looks something like this: total PSA – 5.54; Free PSA – 0.98; % free PSA 18.Reference value> 15%.

The lower the percentage, the greater the chance that the elevated PSA was caused by a malignant tumor (prostate cancer). If the indicator is below 10-15%, then this should serve as a reason to send the patient for further examinations: ultrasound, TRUS, MRI, prostate biopsy.

How to donate blood for PSA

In our practice, we often encounter disagreements in standards that are accepted in the CIS and in Germany.When conducting urological examinations in our center, when donating blood for PSA, we adhere to the following standards:

• PSA can be taken no earlier than 4 weeks after the prostate biopsy
• no earlier than 4 weeks after the end of the course of antibiotics stress, sexual activity
• do not expose the body to emotional stress for a few hours before the test

How often should you donate blood for PSA

German urologists recommend annual urological examinations for men over 40, which include a PSA blood test, especially for men who have close relatives (brother, father) who have had cases of prostate cancer.

PSA after prostatectomy

After prostatectomy (removal of the prostate in cancer), the PSA value should tend to zero. According to our radiologists, PSA values ​​above 0.2 ng / ml after prostate removal indicate a recurrence of prostate cancer.

The most modern medical diagnostic examination today is PSMA PET CT. This examination reveals even small foci of prostate cancer cells.

Fusion Prostate Biopsy – Most Accurate Biopsy Method

Fusion Prostate biopsy

There are several methods for diagnosing prostate diseases. Starting from elementary laboratory analysis, during which measurements of the PSA level (prostatitis specific antigen) are made, ultrasound, TRUS, palpation and ending with a biopsy of the prostate.

All of the above medical examinations are aimed at determining the disease of the prostate gland in a man and making an accurate diagnosis.If a prostate tumor is suspected, the attending urologist should refer the patient for a prostate biopsy and only on the basis of the histological conclusion after the biopsy, the urologist will be able to say with certainty whether it is a benign prostate tumor (prostate adenoma / benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)), or about a malignant tumor of the prostate (adenocarcinoma / prostate cancer). There are several types of prostate biopsy: outdated – inaccurate and modern more accurate methods.

Why Fusion Biopsy?

Fusion Biopsy – today is the most advanced method for diagnosing prostate cancer. During fusion biopsy, 2 imaging techniques are used (ultrasound + MRI images of the prostate gland) and more biomaterial (biopsies) are systematically taken from hard-to-reach places of the prostate gland, as a result of which the chance of detecting cancer cells, if present in hard-to-reach places, increases.
We often have patients who had several biopsies in their homeland, but no cancer cells were found, while everything indicated the presence of cancer. After a biopsy at our European Prostate Center, the suspicions of prostate cancer were confirmed. The diagnosis is certainly not a comforting one, but in such cases it is better sooner rather than later and to understand exactly what the diagnosis is, and not to be in the dark. It must be remembered that prostate cancer is curable if timely measures were taken to treat it.

Benefits of Fusion Prostate Biopsy

Fusion Biopsy, as well as classical biopsy of the prostate gland, is performed under ultrasound guidance. The main technological difference of Fusion Biopsy is that during Fusion Biopsy, MRI images of the prostate are also used, the image from which is superimposed on the ultrasound image, as a result of which the urologist receives a 3-dimensional image of the prostate. Thus, the urologist has the opportunity to take samples (biopsies) of prostate tissue, even in the most inaccessible places.During fusion prostate biopsy, more biopsies are taken as standard, up to 32.

The statistics of the European Prostate Center show that the percentage of the possibility of detecting malignant cells during fusion biopsy is 2 times higher (65%) than with classical biopsy (30%).

Post-Fusion Prostate Biopsy

The next day after the biopsy, the patient is discharged, and at the end of the day, a consultation with a specialist is held, where the results of the morphological conclusion of biological materials are discussed and subsequent treatment recommendations are given.

In 99% of cases, after discharge from the clinic, the patient feels satisfactory and can fly home.

If, after a biopsy, an adenoma or prostate cancer was diagnosed and a specialist made recommendations for further treatment, and the patient chooses to be treated in our clinic, a plan for further treatment is always discussed and specific dates of surgery for the treatment of adenoma or prostate cancer are set.

Where to do Fusion Prostate Biopsy?

At the European Prostate Center, specialists only practice Fusion Biopsy. This method has proven itself well and annually allows thousands of sick men to diagnose prostate disease in a timely manner and begin the necessary treatment.

The Fusion prostate biopsy procedure is performed on an outpatient basis. An example of a biopsy sample looks like this:

Day 1 – mMRI (multiparameter MRI of the prostate)
Day 2 – Admission to the clinic + necessary preoperative examinations
Day 3 – Fusion Biopsy
Day 4 or 5 – Final consultation: biopsy results, specialist recommendations

Prostate biopsy.Price

The cost of a complete fusion prostate biopsy package at the European Prostate Center is 4.970, – € . The cost includes the examination itself, mMRI of the prostate, consultation with a radiologist, urologist, recommendations and unlimited support from a Russian-speaking coordinator.

90,000 Urological examination of the prostate in Germany

• General information
• Price for urological examination

Urological examination as part of the diagnosis of the prostate gland is indicated for all men, without exception, starting from the age of 40, especially if hereditary cancer diseases are present in the family.It is also necessary to donate blood for PSA in the absence of symptoms.

Prostate adenoma occurs in every second man. For some, an enlarged prostate does not cause any symptoms or problems, and some men experience a variety of urinary problems.

If we talk about the importance of urological examination for men, it is important to mention that a disease such as prostate cancer in most cases develops without any symptoms and does not cause any problems to the patient in the early stages.In addition to this fact, it is important to note that prostate cancer is no longer a disease of elderly men. In our daily practice, we see more and more men under the age of 55 with advanced stages of prostate cancer.

Timely diagnosis of any disease, and prostate cancer is no exception, significantly increases the chances of full recovery, prolonging life and maintaining important body functions: urination and potency.

An extended urological examination will give the patient and the treating urologist an accurate picture of the size and function of the prostate gland, the causes of urinary and / or urinary problems, etc.e, the presence of cancer or prostate adenoma, kidney function, kidney stones and other urological diseases.

Where can I get a urological examination?

The European Prostate Center in Gronau annually receives thousands of patients for treatment and diagnostics of the prostate gland. With us, the patient will be able to undergo an extended urological examination and get a clear picture of the state of health from a urological point of view.

In order to quickly apply for treatment / examination, our medical coordinator will ask the patient to fill out several urological questionnaires and send us the examination results, if any were done earlier.

Price for urological examination

The cost of urological examination depends on the personal situation of the patient.Depending on the content of the examination package, the cost starts from 1.295, – euros and includes laboratory tests, TRUS, consultation with a urologist and his recommendations.

90,000 Prostate-specific antigen (PSA), determination of the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA)

What is prostate-specific antigen?

Prostate-specific antigen (or PSA for short) is a protein substance produced by the cells of the prostate gland.PSA is the most valuable tumor marker, the study of which in blood serum is necessary for the diagnosis and monitoring of the course of benign hyperplasia and prostate cancer.
Since prostate cancer is currently the second leading cause of death in men from malignant neoplasms and occurs after 60 years in one in six men, it is extremely important to identify the disease at an early stage, when the effectiveness of treatment is higher. It has been established that serum PSA levels can be significantly increased in prostate cancer.At the same time, an increase in the level of prostate-specific antigen in the blood does not always indicate the presence of a malignant process.

In addition to prostate cancer, the reasons for the increase in PSA can also be:

• Presence of inflammation or infection in the prostate.
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (also called prostate adenoma).
• Ischemia or infarction of the prostate.
• Ejaculation on the eve of the study.

How is PSA level determined?

Determination of the level of prostate-specific antigen is carried out by taking a blood test from a vein.Depending on the method for determining PSA in each specific laboratory and a number of other factors, the result becomes known at different times – from 8 hours to several days.

To exclude the possibility of false positive results, blood sampling for research should be carried out no earlier than 5 days after such manipulations as digital rectal examination, prostate massage, transrectal ultrasound (when the transducer is inserted into the rectum) and after any other mechanical effects on the prostate gland ( enema, thermal procedures, etc.NS.). It is also recommended to avoid ejaculating 2-3 days before the study, riding a bicycle or horse, and drinking alcohol.

What is the normal PSA level?

In the conventional sense, the term “norm” means total PSA values ​​less than 4 ng / ml. In recent years, urologists have approached the concept of “norm” in a differentiated manner, taking into account the patient’s age. So, if a 70-year-old man has a PSA value of 4.5 ng / ml can be considered normal, then at 50 years old with a PSA above 2.7 ng / ml, the patient needs further examination.

Who should have a PSA blood test and when?

Every man, even without any urinary disorders, should have a PSA blood test every year after reaching the age of 50. If the brother, father, grandfather or other male relative of the patient has had prostate cancer, PSA must be determined every year after age 40.

What to do if PSA level is high?

If the PSA level rises, a prostate biopsy should be done.The symptoms of various prostate diseases that can be accompanied by an increase in PSA are very similar. They can be more frequent difficulty urinating, a sluggish stream of urine, the need to urinate several times a night, a feeling of incomplete emptying of the bladder, strong urge to urinate, etc.

Digital rectal examination, supplemented by ultrasound examination, cannot provide timely diagnosis of prostate cancer, especially in the case of the initial stages of the disease without extracapsular lesions.Even computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging of the prostate gland with a small increase in PSA does not allow a differential diagnosis between benign and malignant prostate tumors. This is why the role of prostate biopsy in the early diagnosis of prostate cancer is extremely important.

In what other cases is the definition of PSA used?

The determination of PSA is used to develop and control the correct treatment tactics in patients with common forms of prostate cancer (when the diagnosis is established based on the results of a prostate biopsy, and radical surgery is impossible or impractical).

In addition, PSA measurement in patients who underwent radical prostatectomy (3, 6 and 12 months after surgery, then every six months for another 2 years, and then annually throughout life) is the only test indicating an early relapse of the disease , which makes it possible to prescribe in a timely manner, and subsequently monitor adequate drug treatment.

Annual PSA determination is recommended for patients who have undergone various operations on the prostate gland for prostate adenoma (transurethral resection or transvesical adenomectomy), as well as for men in whom cancer cells were not detected at the first prostate biopsy.In the latter case, the urologist may recommend a more frequent determination of the PSA level (after 3 or 6 months).

Unnecessary tests, unnecessary alarms: will the advice of the stars help your health?

• Zara Aziz
• for BBC Future

March 20, 2017

Photo author, Getty Images

A doctor from the British city of Bristol talks about the impact of celebrities on our health and beliefs and what it can do be dangerous.

One Friday morning, Jake (name and some details have been changed), a 42-year-old computer engineer, walks into my doctor’s office. He has an unexpected request for me, he says.

I can’t wait to find out what the purpose of his visit is. The fact is that Jake does not have serious health problems, and he is an infrequent guest with us.

A quick glance at his medical record is enough for me to understand that the last time we saw each other was in 2013. Then he was diagnosed with epicondylitis (also known as “tennis elbow”).

There are no other diseases worth mentioning in his epicrisis. He does not smoke, and drinks alcohol in very moderation.

Apologetically Jake asks if he can have a PSA blood test. PSA is a prostate-specific antigen, or protein, produced exclusively by the prostate gland.

In certain cases, a high PSA level is used as a marker of prostate cancer, but there are other reasons for an increase that are not related to cancer, including a urinary tract infection or inflammation of the prostate.

There is no reason for Jake to do this analysis, but Stiller’s story hooked him up and got worried.

Our further conversation revealed that his family history had no prostate cancer, and he himself had no symptoms of urinary tract diseases.

Therefore, I refused to conduct the analysis, explaining to the patient that it was only needed to diagnose men with urinary problems, or to constantly monitor PSA levels during the treatment of prostate cancer.

Two thirds of men who get this test will test positive, even though they have no cancer. This is called a false positive result, and it will certainly entail unnecessary experiences and examinations.

Photo author, Getty Images

Photo caption,

After the actor Ben Stiller was tested for prostate cancer, many men began to go to doctors with a similar request.

At the same time, 15% of men with prostate cancer have a level of PSA is very low, in which case the test will give a false negative result.

As a family doctor working in the UK public health system, I often see how patients’ beliefs are influenced by the world around them, including newspapers, social media, television and loved ones.

And more and more people turn to me with requests like the one with which Jake came – dictated by another story from the life of stars.

It is no coincidence that scientists have recently become interested in how the lifestyle of celebrities and public figures affects the decisions, fears and behavior of ordinary people.

This influence was called “the Angelina Jolie effect” – after a high-profile article by the famous actress was published in the New York Times in 2013.

In that emotional text, she said that she had inherited a “defective gene”, due to which the probability of developing breast cancer in her is 87%, and ovarian cancer – 50%.

Within two weeks of the article’s release, the number of American women tested for changes in the BRCA genes (breast cancer genes 1 and 2) increased by as much as 64%.

However, the number of mastectomies has generally remained unchanged, and even decreased among those who tested for BRCA genes.

From this we can conclude that the story of Angelina Jolie did not lead to the fact that women began to make more informed choices.

Many of them made unnecessary analysis and were in vain worried, and those who are really at risk were bypassed by this story.

Photo author, Getty Images

Photo caption,

The consequences of the “Angelina Jolie effect” for breast cancer screening are well known to researchers

I recall another case from my practice.I received a call from a woman concerned about the behavior of her 12-year-old daughter, who was very selective about her diet and excluded dairy and gluten-containing foods from her diet.

It turned out that she did this under the influence of peers and advice from celebrities, and this is a much more disturbing case.

After testing, we have ruled out celiac disease (gluten intolerance) and other types of food intolerances.

There was no reason for the girl to cut her diet – she did it only because some of her friends eat this way.

She will come to my appointment with her mother next week. Both mom and me are worried about this situation.

I often come across patients who follow a gluten-free diet in the absence of any medical indications.

Since she was recommended by Gwyneth Paltrow, Novak Djokovic and Victoria Beckham, her fan base has grown significantly.

But how widespread is this intolerance? About 1% of people suffer from celiac disease, but only 0.25% are diagnosed with it.

This means that a minority of people who are unaware of their disease can follow a gluten-free diet to relieve symptoms.

However, with the development of the gluten-free food industry, many more people began to believe that they were suffering from celiac disease, when in fact they were not.

The vast majority of gluten-free products are purchased by those who do not have the disease. This is especially true for young women who are willing to purchase these products at a much higher price.

For those without celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity (NCGS), avoiding gluten-containing foods can only act as a placebo.

However, it can also pose a health threat, especially for children and people with eating disorders – under this pretext they can eliminate the foods they need from their diet.

Photo author, Getty Images

Photo caption,

By imitating the stars and their diets, many people believe that they suffer from celiac disease (the inscription on the box: “Does not contain gluten!”)

However, not all of the stars’ advice is so dubious …Several celebrities have taken part in very useful campaigns to promote healthy habits.

For example, Princes William and Harry and the Duchess of Cambridge are helping raise awareness of children’s mental health through the Heads Together campaign.

Recently, Rihanna and Prince Harry set a good example for many people in Barbados by testing for HIV there.

Thanks to a previous HIV test, the video of which Prince Harry posted on Facebook, the number of such tests has skyrocketed.

In this case, the participation of celebrities helped to quickly and effectively get the right message to a wide audience, while saving money.

But in general, celebrity health advice should be taken with a healthy dose of skepticism. Sometimes they help, but there are often times when they only bring harm.

Disclaimer

All information contained in this article is for general information only and should not be construed as a substitute for the medical advice of your healthcare professional or any other healthcare professional.The BBC is not responsible and cannot be held responsible for the content of external Internet sites mentioned here. It also does not call for the use of any commercial products or services mentioned or recommended on any of these sites. Always contact your healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your health.

PSA increased. What to do?

Podberezsky P.V., oncologist

What is PSA?

PSA (prostate-specific antigen) is a protein produced in the cells of the prostate.PSA is the most valuable tumor marker.

When can PSA rise?

The main reasons for the increase in PSA:

• Inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis)

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (“adenoma”)

• Ischemia or infarction of the prostate

• Ejaculation on the eve of the study

• Prostate cancer

How is PSA determined?

PSA blood test is performed by taking blood from a vein

How to donate blood for PSA correctly?

To eliminate the possibility of false positives, you should:

• Perform analysis no earlier than 5 days after procedures such as digital examination of the rectum, prostate massage, ultrasound with a transrectal (rectal) sensor and other mechanical effects on the prostate

• Exclude ejaculation 3 days before the study

• Exclude riding a bicycle or horse 3 days before the study

• The study is carried out on an empty stomach

What is the normal PSA level?

An average level of less than 4 ng / ml is generally accepted.The rate may differ depending on the age

Who Should Get a PSA Blood Test?

Every man, starting from the age of 50, even without any urinary disorders, must donate blood for PSA once a year. If the closest blood relatives in the male line had or have prostate cancer, PSA is determined every year from the age of 40

Until what age do you need to donate blood for PSA?

The upper limit in different countries is 65-70 years old (we have 65 years inclusive).The figure depends on the average life expectancy of the male population. It is believed that after this age, PSA sampling is impractical, since early detection and treatment of prostate cancer in these patients does not affect life expectancy.

Where can I get a PSA blood test?

Blood sampling for PSA is carried out in polyclinics at the place of residence and district polyclinics, in the group of 50-65 years old free of charge once every 2 years. Also, the study is carried out in the direction of the urologist of the 8th polyclinic in St.Mogilev (urological center), in the Mogilev regional hospital, in the Mogilev and Bobruisk oncologic dispensaries.

How to donate blood for PSA at the Mogilev Oncology Center?

The study is paid. It is possible to take tests in the consultative polyclinic of the IODE UZ (building No. 1, 2nd floor, office 201) after prepayment in the office of paid services (building No. 1, 1st floor). Inquiries by calling the office of paid services: (+375 222) 75-15-83, 73-67-25 from 8:00 to 17:00, lunch: 13: 00-13: 30.Time of delivery of analyzes on weekdays from 9:00 to 11:00.

What to do if the PSA level is high?

If the PSA level is increased, then an additional examination is prescribed – a digital examination of the prostate, ultrasound with a transrectal (through the rectum) sensor, prostate biopsy. No study (CT, MRI, TRUS) with a small increase in PSA can provide information about the presence or absence of cancer. This can only be done by a biopsy of the prostate gland.