Does an Elevated PSA Level Mean I Have Prostate Cancer?

Prostate cancer­­­­ is a disease that forms in the tissues of the prostate, a male gland just below the bladder which is partly responsible for making the fluid that is part of semen. Prostate cancer forms within cells in the prostate.

The disease takes a variable course from patient to patient. Some prostate cancers spread quickly, while many others develop and grow slowly. Prostate cancer risk increases as men age, making age the number one risk factor for this disease. If diagnosed early, prostate cancer is highly treatable.

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by the prostate that is used to track progression of known prostate cancer. As a marker for known disease, PSA level is very reliable for most patients. However, the value of PSA as a tool for prostate cancer screening has long been a controversial subject. Here’s what you should know.

What is a PSA test?

PSA is a protein that is made by all prostate cells, whether they are normal or cancerous. A PSA test measures the level of PSA in a man’s blood and generally reflects the volume of prostate tissue in the body.

Since prostate cancer can increase the level of PSA in the blood as it is progressing, a high PSA is associated with higher risk of having the disease. Therefore, many doctors have used the test to help determine whether a man is harboring the disease. Since the test was developed, several professional organizations have recommended that men over age 50 undergo PSA testing, often in addition to a digital rectal exam, to aid in early detection of the disease.

Does a high PSA level mean I have prostate cancer?

There is no set rule about what constitutes an “abnormal” PSA reading on a blood test. Since prostate cancer is not the only source of PSA, an elevated PSA may reflect an enlarged or inflamed benign prostate gland. High PSA levels are often the result of benign prostate hyperplasia, enlargement of the prostate that occurs in most men as they age. When interpreting the test results, doctors take a number of factors into consideration, including the patient’s age and ethnicity as well as rate of rise of PSA.

“It is hard to detect the difference between PSA made by normal prostate tissue and PSA made by prostate cancer cells,” says Mark Pomerantz, MD, a medical oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. “We know that as the PSA rises and gets higher and higher, the odds that that PSA is coming from a cancer than a normal prostate increases.”

A section of a prostate gland containing numerous cancer cells.
A section of a prostate gland containing numerous cancer cells.

Still, most men considered to have an elevated PSA do not have a detectable prostate cancer. About 25 percent of those who undergo a prostate biopsy—in which a small section of the prostate is removed and examined for signs of cancer—are found to have prostate cancer.

How do I know that I should be screened for prostate cancer?

Men are encouraged to make informed decisions on screening based on family history, symptoms, a discussion with your doctor, and your own views on the possible benefits, risks, and limits of prostate cancer screening, according to the American Cancer Society.

Active surveillance

When prostate cancer is diagnosed and the disease appears curable, patients are often referred to a urologist to discuss surgical removal of the prostate and to a radiation oncologist to discuss radiation to the gland. Alternatively, when a low-risk prostate cancer is detected, a doctor may recommend that a patient undergo active surveillance.

Active surveillance forgoes invasive, curative treatment in favor of intense monitoring. Patients are typically monitored multiple PSA tests each year along with occasional repeat biopsies or imaging studies. This approach allows patients to avoid (or at least forestall) potential side effects associated with curative treatment.

In summary, it is recommended that patients have a discussion with their doctor about the pros and cons of being screened for prostate cancer.

6 thoughts on “Does an Elevated PSA Level Mean I Have Prostate Cancer?”

  1. My boyfriend underwent radiation therapy for prostate cancer about 10 years ago. Recent routine screening showed PSA level of 4.5 (?) and a month later 4.7. He’s had chest X-ray, bone scan, all looked good; and just last week PET scan, which he doesn’t have results of. Not due for next appt with oncologist for 6 months. He feels if something had shown up In PET scan, doctor would be calling him to come in sooner. Does this make sense? Should he be seeking second opinion?

  2. What was not addressed was elevating psa numbers after prostate removal because prostate cancer diagnosis was confirmed with biopsy.
    How is metastasized prostate cancer diagnosed and then treated? treated

  3. I am a 52 year old Caucasian male – my PSA level a year ago was 3.4 – one year later my PSA jumped to 8.1. I had a duplicate test to rule out a fluke result and it came back the same at 8.1. I know 8.1 is not extremely high but is the rapid increase in one year any indication or is that common?

    • Hi RSJ,

      Thank you for reading. Unfortunately, we cannot provide any medical advice without a consultation. We would recommend reaching out to a medical professional to discuss any concerns you might have.

      Wishing you the best,
      DFCI

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