Understanding PSA

Your PSA level may be falsely elevated. This means that although your PSA level is above normal, there is a good chance that you do not have prostate cancer.

Contact your doctor. You may need antibiotic treatment if you have evidence of a urinary tract infection or prostatitis. You should also talk to your doctor about repeating your PSA test in 1-2 months. If your repeat PSA level returns to normal (less than four), this is excellent news. If your PSA test remains elevated, further evaluation is probably needed. Your options include

• referral to a urologist (prostate specialist)

• measuring your "free" PSA level. This special way of testing your PSA level may help to decide if a prostate biopsy  is needed. High levels of free PSA are reassuring, while low levels are worrisome for cancer.

Click here if you would like to learn more about PSA testing.

Click here if you would like to learn more about prostate cancer.