Understanding PSA

Your PSA level is moderately elevated. More than half of men whose PSA level is ten or above will be found to have prostate cancer if a biopsy is performed.

However, not all men with an elevated PSA level have prostate cancer. Instead, the PSA level can rise for another reason, such as

• benign growth of the prostate gland (also known as BPH or benign prostate hypertrophy)

• a prostate infection or urinary tract infection

• damage to the prostate caused by a surgery or trauma.

Therefore, if your PSA level is above ten , the first thing to find out is whether you may have had any of the following within the past two months:

• a prostate or bladder infection

• urinary symptoms such as burning with urination, dribbling, hesitancy, or pain in the groin

• prostate or bladder surgery

• a bladder catheter used to drain urine while you are in the hospital or during minor surgery

• trauma to the groin, for example, a major car or industrial accident.

Have you experienced any of these conditions?

Yes, I have.

No, I have not.