Elevated PSA

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is an enzyme which can be detected in the blood and is used in screening for prostate cancer in men. The American Urological Association (AUA) and the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) both recommend that men decide on prostate cancer screening on an individualized basis after counseling with their health care provider. The best evidence for prostate cancer screening is for men between the ages of 55 and 69 though men as young as 45 and as old as 74 may benefit from screening.

If a man decides to undergo PSA screening and has an elevated PSA level, further testing may be needed to determine the cause. PSA is far from a perfect test and many elevations will normalize on a secondary evalation. Prostate enlargement and infection may also lead to false elevations.

Further testing with advanced blood tests (such as the 4K score) or prostate MRI may help to better assess the origin of you PSA elevation. Ultimately, the best diagnostic test to confirm prostate cancer is a prostate biopsy. This can be performed either in the office under local numbing or in the operating room under sedation. Prostate biopsy involves placing an ultrasound probe into the rectum and guiding a small biopsy needle either through the rectal wall or the perennially skin.

Prostate biopsy is generally well tolerated though many men will have a degree of blood in their urine or stool. There is a also a small but real chance of infection following the procedure.

It is important to see an expert about your PSA elevations to help best guide you on your next steps. Dr. Ebel offers advanced testing and MRI guidance using the UroNav system.

Contact us to set up an appointment today at Dr. Ebel's Findlay, Ohio based practice.