What are the common causes of elevated PSA levels that aren’t cancer. How can age affect PSA test results. Why might prostate size impact PSA levels. Can infections or medications influence PSA readings.

Understanding PSA: The Prostate’s Tell-Tale Protein

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by cells in the prostate gland. While it’s often associated with prostate cancer screening, elevated PSA levels don’t always indicate cancer. In fact, several other factors can contribute to higher-than-normal PSA readings. Let’s explore what PSA is and why it’s important to understand its nuances.

PSA is naturally present in small quantities in the bloodstream of healthy men. When prostate cells become abnormal or damaged, they tend to release more PSA into the blood. This is why PSA blood tests are used as a screening tool for prostate cancer. However, it’s crucial to remember that PSA levels can fluctuate due to various reasons, not just cancer.

The PSA Test: More Than Just a Number

How is a PSA test conducted? It’s a simple blood test that measures the amount of PSA in your bloodstream. But interpreting the results isn’t always straightforward. What’s considered a “normal” PSA level can vary based on factors like age, ethnicity, and overall health. This is why doctors often use PSA results in conjunction with other diagnostic tools, such as the digital rectal exam (DRE), to get a more comprehensive picture of prostate health.

Age and PSA Levels: The Natural Correlation

One of the most significant factors influencing PSA levels is age. As men grow older, their PSA levels tend to naturally increase. This age-related rise doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem, but it’s an important consideration when interpreting test results.

Why Do PSA Levels Increase with Age?

The relationship between age and PSA levels is primarily due to the natural growth of the prostate gland over time. As the prostate enlarges, it produces more PSA. Additionally, the prostate becomes more susceptible to inflammation and other benign conditions as we age, which can further elevate PSA levels.

• In men under 50, PSA levels are typically lower than 2.5 ng/mL
• For men in their 50s, levels up to 3.5 ng/mL may be considered normal
• In the 60-69 age range, up to 4.5 ng/mL could be within normal limits
• For men 70 and older, PSA levels up to 6.5 ng/mL might not be cause for immediate concern

It’s important to note that these are general guidelines, and individual cases may vary. Your doctor will consider your specific age, health history, and other factors when interpreting your PSA results.

Prostate Size: When Bigger Isn’t Better for PSA

The size of your prostate can significantly impact your PSA levels. A larger prostate doesn’t necessarily mean cancer, but it can lead to elevated PSA readings. This is why understanding the relationship between prostate size and PSA is crucial for accurate interpretation of test results.

How Does Prostate Size Affect PSA Levels?

A larger prostate naturally produces more PSA. This means that men with bigger prostates may have higher baseline PSA levels, even in the absence of cancer or other health issues. Conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which causes prostate enlargement, can lead to increased PSA production.

During a digital rectal exam (DRE), your doctor can assess the size and texture of your prostate. This information, combined with your PSA test results, helps provide a more comprehensive picture of your prostate health.

Prostatitis: When Inflammation Raises Red Flags

Prostatitis, or inflammation of the prostate gland, is another common cause of elevated PSA levels. This condition can be acute or chronic, and it’s not always easy to diagnose based on symptoms alone.

Types of Prostatitis and Their Impact on PSA

There are several types of prostatitis, each with potentially different effects on PSA levels:

1. Acute bacterial prostatitis: Can cause a sudden, significant spike in PSA
2. Chronic bacterial prostatitis: May lead to fluctuating PSA levels over time
3. Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: Can cause mild to moderate PSA elevation
4. Asymptomatic inflammatory prostatitis: May elevate PSA without causing noticeable symptoms

If prostatitis is suspected as the cause of your elevated PSA, your doctor may recommend additional tests or treatments to address the underlying inflammation before retesting your PSA levels.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): The Common Culprit

Benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH, is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland. It’s incredibly common in older men and can significantly impact PSA levels. Understanding BPH and its relationship to PSA is crucial for men navigating their prostate health.

BPH and PSA: A Complex Relationship

How does BPH affect PSA levels? As the prostate enlarges due to BPH, it produces more PSA. This can lead to PSA readings that are higher than what’s typically considered “normal” for a man’s age group. However, the relationship between BPH and PSA isn’t always straightforward.

• Not all men with BPH will have elevated PSA levels
• The degree of PSA elevation doesn’t always correlate with the severity of BPH symptoms
• Some medications used to treat BPH can actually lower PSA levels

If you’re diagnosed with BPH, your doctor will likely monitor your PSA levels over time to establish a baseline and track any significant changes that might warrant further investigation.

Urinary Tract Issues: When Infection and Irritation Intervene

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other sources of irritation in the urinary system can have a surprising impact on PSA levels. These conditions can affect the prostate indirectly, leading to temporary elevations in PSA that may cause unnecessary concern.

The Connection Between Urinary Health and PSA

How do urinary tract issues influence PSA readings? When the urinary system is infected or irritated, it can cause inflammation in nearby tissues, including the prostate. This inflammation can trigger the release of additional PSA into the bloodstream.

Common urinary tract issues that may affect PSA levels include:

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Bladder stones
• Recent catheterization
• Cystoscopy or other urological procedures

If you’ve recently experienced any of these conditions or procedures, it’s important to inform your doctor before undergoing a PSA test. In many cases, it’s advisable to wait for the urinary system to heal and return to normal before testing PSA levels to avoid misleading results.

Prostate Stimulation: The Overlooked Factor

Surprisingly, even short-term stimulation of the prostate can lead to temporary increases in PSA levels. This factor is often overlooked but can be significant when interpreting PSA test results.

Activities That Can Affect PSA Readings

What kinds of activities can stimulate the prostate and impact PSA levels? Several common activities and procedures can cause short-term elevations in PSA:

• Recent ejaculation (within 24-48 hours of the test)
• Vigorous exercise, especially cycling or horseback riding
• Digital rectal exam (DRE)
• Prostate massage
• Prostate biopsy

To ensure the most accurate PSA test results, it’s generally recommended to avoid these activities for at least 48 hours before your blood draw. If you’ve engaged in any of these activities recently, be sure to inform your healthcare provider so they can factor this information into their interpretation of your results.

The Importance of Timing in PSA Testing

Given the impact of prostate stimulation on PSA levels, the timing of your PSA test can be crucial. Most doctors will draw blood for a PSA test before performing a digital rectal exam to avoid artificially elevating the results. Similarly, if you’ve recently undergone a prostate biopsy, your doctor may recommend waiting several weeks before retesting your PSA levels to allow any inflammation to subside.

Medications: The Hidden Influencers of PSA Levels

Certain medications can have a significant impact on PSA levels, either increasing or decreasing them. Understanding how your medications might affect your PSA test results is crucial for accurate interpretation and prostate health management.

Drugs That Can Alter PSA Readings

Which medications are known to influence PSA levels? Several types of drugs can affect PSA production or detection:

1. 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (e.g., finasteride, dutasteride): These medications, often used to treat BPH or male pattern baldness, can lower PSA levels by up to 50%
2. Statins: Some cholesterol-lowering medications may slightly decrease PSA levels
3. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Regular use of NSAIDs like aspirin may lower PSA levels in some men
4. Thiazide diuretics: These blood pressure medications might cause a small increase in PSA levels
5. Testosterone replacement therapy: Can potentially increase PSA levels

It’s crucial to provide your doctor with a complete list of all medications you’re taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. This information will help ensure accurate interpretation of your PSA test results.

The Importance of Medication History in PSA Interpretation

How do doctors account for medication effects when interpreting PSA results? If you’re taking medications known to affect PSA levels, your doctor may need to adjust their interpretation of your test results. For example, if you’re taking a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, your doctor might double your PSA reading to get a more accurate picture of your prostate health.

In some cases, your doctor may recommend temporarily discontinuing certain medications before a PSA test to get a more accurate baseline reading. However, never stop taking any prescribed medication without first consulting your healthcare provider.

Navigating High PSA Levels: Next Steps and Considerations

If you’ve received a high PSA test result, it’s natural to feel concerned. However, it’s important to remember that elevated PSA levels don’t automatically mean you have prostate cancer. Understanding the next steps in the diagnostic process can help alleviate anxiety and ensure you receive appropriate care.

Beyond the Initial PSA Test

What typically happens after a high PSA result? Your doctor may recommend several follow-up steps:

• Repeat PSA test: To confirm the initial results and check for any fluctuations
• Free PSA test: Measures the percentage of PSA that’s not bound to proteins in the blood, which can help differentiate between BPH and prostate cancer
• Digital rectal exam (DRE): To physically assess the size and texture of the prostate
• Prostate health index (PHI): A blood test that combines several types of PSA measurements for a more accurate assessment of cancer risk
• Prostate MRI: Provides detailed images of the prostate to identify any suspicious areas
• Prostate biopsy: If other tests suggest a high risk of cancer, a biopsy may be recommended to definitively diagnose or rule out prostate cancer

Your doctor will consider your individual risk factors, overall health, and personal preferences when determining the most appropriate next steps for your situation.

The Importance of Ongoing Monitoring

How should PSA levels be monitored over time? Regular PSA testing and prostate health check-ups are crucial for early detection of any significant changes. Your doctor may recommend:

• Annual PSA tests for men over 50 (or earlier for those at higher risk)
• Tracking PSA velocity (how quickly PSA levels change over time)
• Monitoring PSA density (PSA level in relation to prostate size)
• Adjusting the frequency of testing based on your individual risk factors and previous results

Remember, PSA levels can fluctuate due to various factors, so a single elevated result doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem. It’s the trend over time that provides the most valuable information about your prostate health.

Empowering Yourself: Prostate Health Beyond PSA

While PSA testing is an important tool for prostate health monitoring, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Taking a holistic approach to prostate health can help you maintain overall well-being and potentially reduce your risk of prostate-related issues.

Lifestyle Factors That Influence Prostate Health

What can you do to support your prostate health beyond regular PSA testing? Consider incorporating these lifestyle factors:

• Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
• Stay physically active with regular exercise
• Manage stress through relaxation techniques or mindfulness practices
• Limit alcohol consumption and avoid smoking
• Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water
• Consider prostate-supporting supplements (after consulting with your healthcare provider)

While these lifestyle factors may not directly impact your PSA levels, they can contribute to overall prostate and urinary health, potentially reducing your risk of developing prostate-related issues in the future.

The Role of Open Communication with Your Healthcare Provider

How can you ensure you’re getting the most appropriate care for your prostate health? Open and honest communication with your healthcare provider is key. Don’t hesitate to:

• Ask questions about your PSA results and what they mean for you
• Discuss any symptoms or concerns you may have, even if they seem minor
• Share your complete medical history, including family history of prostate issues
• Be upfront about your lifestyle habits and any medications or supplements you’re taking
• Express your preferences and concerns regarding prostate cancer screening and treatment options

By actively participating in your healthcare decisions and maintaining open dialogue with your provider, you can ensure that your prostate health is managed in a way that aligns with your individual needs and values.

What are Some Other Causes of a High PSA?

First, what does PSA mean?

So you’ve had your PSA test, and it came back high. Your doctor did a DRE and ran a few more tests, and assures you that prostate cancer is very unlikely. Still, you’re worried. What are some other causes of a high PSA?

PSA: prostate specific antigen is a protein made by prostate cells. A healthy prostate releases only small amounts of this protein into the bloodstream, but when some cancer has begun to develop, the affected cells pump out more. A simple blood test can detect PSA and is used as a screening test for prostate cancer.

DRE: digital rectal exam. A prostate in which cancer has begun to grow may change in size and shape. In this exam, a doctor inserts a lubricated, gloved finger about two inches into the rectum and assesses the prostate. Men may be uncomfortable with the idea of this test, but in reality, it takes less than a minute.

The PSA test, and, if needed, the DRE, are your best defense against prostate cancer—which is highly treatable when caught at an early stage.

1. Age

Older men’s normal PSA levels run a little higher than those of younger men. Normal levels also tend to vary a little between different ethnic groups.

Your doctor will evaluate your test results, factor in your age, ethnicity, and any other relevant factors, and let you know whether your results suggest more testing.

2. Prostate size

Because PSA is naturally produced at a very low level by the healthy prostate, a man with a larger-than-usual prostate may have a higher-than-usual PSA level. Your doctor will be able to detect this with a DRE, and will take this into consideration when looking at your PSA test results.

3. Prostatitis

Prostatitis is a painful condition in which the prostate is inflamed, swollen, and tender. It is often caused by a bacterial infection, though sometimes the cause is unknown. In some cases, an elevated PSA level may be another effect of this condition.

4. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Different from simply having a larger-than-usual prostate, BPH is an enlarged prostate. It’s common among men over 50, and it may make urination or ejaculation difficult, which could send you to the doctor to have it checked. Along with the swelling, a prostate with BPH may produce more PSA than usual. Your doctor may recommend additional tests to confirm BPH.

5. Urinary tract infection or irritation

An infection of the urinary tract, as well as irritation caused by medical procedures involving the urethra or bladder, may irritate the prostate and cause it to produce more PSA. If you have experienced any of these, be sure to let your doctor know. You’ll need to give the area some time to heal and calm down before running a PSA test.

6. Prostate stimulation

Any prostate stimulation can trigger the release of extra PSA. This can include ejaculation and vigorous exercise, especially bike riding – but even having a DRE can raise PSA levels. For this reason, doctors usually draw blood before performing the DRE to avoid affecting the PSA test results.

7. Medications

Some medications can artificially lower the PSA, such as finasteride (Proscar or Propecia) or dutasteride (Avodart). Be sure to remind your doctor of any and all medications you may be taking, so they can factor them in when assessing your PSA test results.

PSA levels can fluctuate, and they can be influenced by a number of different factors. Your normal PSA levels might just be a little higher than most men in your demographic category. The important thing is that you’re aware of what’s going on with your body, and that you discuss the possible factors with your doctor. This will help both of you to realistically assess your test results and monitor them over time.

High PSA, No Prostate Cancer: Understand Your Results

You may have elevated PSA levels due to age or certain health conditions, including an enlarged prostate and certain infections.

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by prostate gland cells. Elevated levels may indicate prostate cancer, but PSA levels can also be affected by other things, such as enlarged prostate, a urinary tract infection, or recent ejaculation.

On their own, PSA levels aren’t a good indicator of prostate health. Instead, your doctor will look at your PSA levels alongside other risk factors, like age, digital rectal exam results, and family history. Keep reading to learn more about why your PSA levels may be high.

PSA levels may increase as you get older. This normal rise may be caused by the growth of benign, prostatic tissue. Some men also experience an enlarging of their prostate as they age, which may also elevate PSA levels.

BPH, also known as enlarged prostate, is common in older men. BPH can raise PSA levels and affect the bladder and urinary tract. Men with BPH may have difficulty urinating. If left untreated, it may also interfere with kidney function.

Common symptoms include:

• difficulty initiating urination
• weak urine output, which includes dribbling or straining, or stops and starts during urination
• frequent urination
• urgent need to urinate
• Inability to empty bladder completely

The prostate enlarges in many men as they age, possibly as a result of shifting hormonal levels. BPH only requires treatment if symptoms are affecting quality of life or health. Treatments include medications, such as alpha blockers or 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. If your symptoms are severe or do not respond to medication, a minimally-invasive surgical procedure or laser therapy may help to alleviate the problem.

Learn more: Traditional treatment methods for enlarged prostate »

UTIs may spike PSA levels. They are commonly diagnosed through a urine test and treated with antibiotics. Symptoms of a UTI include:

• a constant urge to urinate, which is not always fully relieved after urination
• inability to fully relieve the bladder
• lower back pain, particularly in the flank
• abdominal pain
• a burning sensation or pain during urination
• cloudy, foul smelling, or bloody urine
• fevers or chills

UTIs become more common as you age. Some men are also at greater risk for UTIs. Risk factors include having:

• diabetes
• kidney stones
• an enlarged prostate
• a compromised immune system

Talk to your doctor if you think you have a UTI. They are often treated with antibiotics. If you have high PSA levels and a known UTI, you will need to wait until you’ve recovered from your UTI before repeating the PSA test.

A common condition in men under 50, prostatitis is often the result of a bacterial infection. It causes swelling, inflammation, and irritation of the prostate gland. Symptoms are similar to those of a UTI, and may include:

• lower back or abdominal pain
• pain or discomfort when urinating
• difficulty urinating

If bacterial infection is causing your prostatitis, you may also experience flu-like symptoms and be treated with antibiotics. Nerve damage in the urinary tract may also cause prostatitis. This can occur as a result of injury or as a surgical complication. If no infection is found, anti-inflammatory medication or alpha-blockers may be used to reduce discomfort.

Some studies have looked at the effects of ejaculation on PSA levels. One study published in 2016 found that PSA levels rise in some men after ejaculation. They may remain higher than their typical baseline level for up to 24 hours afterward.

More research is needed to fully understand the effects of ejaculation on PSA levels. However, if you have a PSA test scheduled, consider abstaining from sexual activities that may result in ejaculation for 24 hours before the test.

Parathyroid hormone is naturally occurring hormone produced by the body to regulate calcium levels in the blood. It may also promote prostate cancer cell growth, even in men who do not have prostate cancer. For this reason, high levels of parathyroid hormone may escalate PSA levels.

An injury to the groin, caused by a fall, impact, or accident, may spike PSA levels temporarily. Let your doctor know if you suspect an injury may have affected your PSA levels.

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

Prostate cancer can cause your PSA levels to increase, so your doctor may recommend that you get a PSA blood test in conjunction with other tests, such as a digital rectal exam, to assess your potential risk. Doctors often recommend PSA testing in men 50 and older. Your doctor may recommend testing your levels at an earlier age if you have known risk factors for prostate cancer, like family history of the disease.

If your PSA levels are high and other diagnostic tests also indicate an increased risk for prostate cancer, your doctor will likely recommend a biopsy to confirm a prostate cancer diagnosis. Ask your doctor about all of the risks associated with biopsy. For some men, holding off on a biopsy and taking a watchful approach is a good option because prostate cancer is generally slow growing. Your doctor will go over all of your options and explain the risks associated with each option.

Second opinion

Getting a second medical opinion can help put your mind at ease about your current care or give you a different perspective, which may help you to decide upon your best options for treatment.

If your current doctor recommends PSA testing or further testing or biopsy after a PSA test, make sure to discuss the benefits versus the risks of each procedure being recommended. Take notes or bring someone with you to your appointment to take notes for you. If you feel the need to discuss this information with another doctor, you absolutely should.

It’s important to remember that elevated PSA levels can mean many things. Prostate cancer is one of those things. If it feels medically necessary to have a biopsy or other testing done, make sure to weigh the benefits versus the risks of each test. Prostate cancer, especially when caught early, is treatable. So are many of the other causes of elevated PSA.

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Answers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.

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about reasons article by a urologist-oncologist

If you donate blood for PSA or intend to do so in the near future, most likely you are a mature man at the age of 45 or even older. Your urologist may have ordered this test for you for a number of reasons. For example, you have presented specific complaints that may indicate a possible problem with the prostate gland. Or the doctor found out that your male relatives were diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime.

Keep in mind that a high PSA does not mean you have cancer. A PSA blood test does not provide accurate diagnostic information about the condition of the prostate gland. This is only one of the diagnostic tools that are used in the detection of prostate cancer. Even ultrasound of the prostate in combination with a PSA test does not allow us to speak 100% about the presence of prostate cancer. The final diagnosis can only be made after a prostate biopsy.

How PSA is measured

PSA results are measured in nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml) of blood. For each age group, the normal PSA value, as a rule, differs. For example, for men aged 40-49 years, a level of up to 2. 5 ng / ml is considered the norm. As a rule, every 10 years, the PSA level rises by about one. Thus, a PSA level of 6.5 ng / ml for men aged 70 years and older can be considered normal.

PSA age reference range

In addition to age, a number of benign (non-cancerous) prostate conditions can also affect PSA levels. PSA is often elevated in the presence of prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate), a urinary tract infection, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Taking certain medications (finasteride, dutasteride and others), as well as obesity, on the contrary, can lower the level of PSA in the blood.

What to do if the test shows an elevated PSA level

If you do not have symptoms associated with prostate cancer, but your PSA level is higher than normal, your doctor may recommend that you repeat the test. If the indicator remains high, it makes sense to track the growth of PSA in dynamics. As part of this monitoring, the doctor will also perform a digital rectal examination of the prostate, which will help track any changes in the prostate over time.

If PSA levels continue to rise or a suspicious lump is found during a digital examination, your doctor may recommend additional tests to determine the nature of the problem, such as transrectal ultrasound of the prostate (TRUS) or magnetic resonance imaging of the prostate.

If prostate cancer is suspected, the doctor recommends a biopsy of the prostate. During the procedure, tissue samples are taken, most often through the rectum (transrectal biopsy). The pathologist then examines the tissue samples in the laboratory, and the urologist or urologist-oncologist interprets the data for the patient.

Why a PSA test isn’t perfect

Researchers have concluded that many tumors found on PSA screening progress so slowly that they are unlikely to pose a real threat to life. In some cases, PSA screening can do more harm than good. Despite this, many men with low-risk prostate cancer receive aggressive treatment that can cause complications. In particular, radical prostate surgery as well as radiation therapy carry potential side effects, including urinary incontinence, problems with bowel function, erectile dysfunction (impotence), and the risk of wound infection. Therefore, one of the key problems of PSA is overdiagnosis and, as a result, receiving excessive treatment.

In addition, false-positive test results—high PSA levels but no cancer on biopsy—may cause anxiety or anxiety in the patient. At the same time, if a man has been diagnosed with a slowly progressing tumor that is not life-threatening, the patient may experience stress just knowing that it is.

Before having a PSA blood test, talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of PSA screening. Find out how soon you can discuss the results of the test, what recommendations you will receive if the results are positive; how often should the analysis be repeated if the results are negative,” – head of the urology department of the Andros clinic,
urologist Alexey Plekhanov.

Should I take a biopsy if my PSA is elevated?

The PSA test is considered the gold standard for diagnosing prostate health. Often, when PSA results are higher than normal, the patient is diagnosed with suspected prostate cancer and sent for a biopsy. However, it is not a fact that a high PSA level is an oncology.

Increased PSA – what to do?

A PSA test, or prostate-specific antigen, makes it possible to suspect the presence of prostate cancer. It must be taken annually by every man after 45 years. In other cases, the analysis is prescribed according to indications: if the results of ultrasound, MRI or CT, digital rectal examination raise doubts about the presence of a tumor.

There is a belief that if the PSA is below 4 ng / ml – this is the norm, in fact it is not. It has been proven that PSA levels vary with age. For men under forty, the lower threshold is 2.5 ng / ml, and for the elderly – 4.5 ng / ml. With age, the prostate enlarges, this is a normal process, and, as a result, the production of PSA increases.

If you have been scheduled for a biopsy, but you want to make sure it was done correctly, you can get a second opinion from the EMC Urology Clinic.

PHI – diagnosis of prostate cancer without biopsy

When a tumor is suspected, but the total PSA is in the range of 2-10 ng/ml, doctors usually opt for expectant management and regular monitoring, or prescribe a biopsy. The best way to clarify the situation in this case is an additional study – a PHI blood test. If the PHI is low, then the doctor may refuse to take a biopsy and continue monitoring. Studies show that up to 75% of biopsies are performed in vain, that is, they could be replaced by a PHI blood test.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

MRI of the prostate may also help avoid a biopsy. MRI of the prostate, unlike a biopsy, is a non-invasive diagnostic method that does not injure the body and does not expose it to radiation. MRI allows accurate visualization of pathological foci even at the earliest stages of the development of the disease and confirms or refutes the need for a biopsy.

Fusion biopsy – the most accurate way to diagnose cancer

Prostate biopsy is a method of examining prostate tissue for cancer cells. Using a special needle, rectal or urethral punctures are made in the prostate in order to take suspicious tissue for examination.

EMC is one of the few clinics in Russia that does not perform a classic biopsy, but a fusion biopsy. With a classic biopsy, the doctor acts, one might say, blindly, even if the procedure is performed under ultrasound guidance. Fusion biopsy is a procedure carried out under the combined control of ultrasound and MRI. This technology allows you to take the material exactly from the area that is in doubt.

The received material is sent to the laboratory and within a few hours you can get the results. If prostate cancer is confirmed, then the doctor chooses the treatment tactics. As a rule, a radical prostatectomy is performed – the removal of the prostate.