Men’s Health Services

High PSA Level Treatment in Greensboro, NC

What is a PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) Level?

Prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, is a protein produced by the prostate gland. It is commonly used as a marker to screen for prostate cancer and to monitor the health of the prostate. PSA is typically found in small amounts in the blood but if there is an issue with the prostate like infection, inflammation or cancer, your PSA levels can rise.

High PSA levels can be a complex issue, but board-certified urologist Dr. Luke Machen is here to offer the specialized care and guidance you need in Greensboro, NC. Contact our office at (336) 274-1114 today to schedule an appointment and start working with a knowledgeable expert to manage your health effectively.

How is my PSA Tested?

A simple blood test measures PSA levels. This test is called a PSA blood test.

Your doctor will analyze the results to determine if your PSA level falls within the normal range, which is typically considered to be 0-4 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL).

What is a High PSA Level?

Elevated PSA levels can be a source of concern for many men. An elevated PSA level doesn’t necessarily indicate cancer, but it does warrant further investigation and discussion with a healthcare provider.

There is still some debate about a normal PSA level, and it is normal for our PSA to increase as we age. Typically, a level of 4.0 ng/mL or higher would lead to more testing or a referral to a urologist. Dr. Luke Machen will consider other issues together with the PSA level to decide whether to perform further testing.

Next Steps

If your PSA test is showing abnormal PSA levels, you may need other tests. Your age, general health, family history and health history factor into the decision.

The first PSA test does not show what is causing the high PSA. The next step recommended by Dr. Luke Machen is usually a prostate biopsy. During the biopsy, a healthcare provider removes a small sample of prostate tissue to check it for cancer.

Other tests may include:

Another PSA test, especially if levels were low or you show no symptoms
A urine test
A digital rectal exam (DRE) to feel your prostate for lumps or anything unusual
A prostate biopsy
Prostate MRI

Causes of a High PSA

A high PSA level may be caused by:

Prostate cancer
Inflammation of the prostate gland, often caused by infection (prostatitis)
Recent ejaculation
Strenuous physical activity
An enlarged prostate (BPH) (benign prostatic hyperplasia)
Taking certain medicines
Other common prostate problems

Do I Have Cancer?

A high PSA does not necessarily mean you have cancer.

Dr. Luke Machen will look at two factors related to your PSA after additional testing:

Your PSA level: A higher level means a higher risk of prostate cancer
A continuous rise: PSA levels that continue to rise after two or more tests may mean you have cancer

Two men can even have the same PSA levels but different risks of prostate cancer. And a high PSA level may reflect prostate problems that aren’t cancer.

Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer

As you test your PSA levels, it is important to evaluate your risk for prostate cancer.

You may be at higher risk for prostate cancer if you:

Are age 50 or older
Are of African-American or Caribbean descent
Have a family history of prostate cancer
Have certain genetic changes that make it more likely prostate cancer will develop

Getting your PSA level tested is a great way to stay educated about your risk for developing prostate cancer.

Steps Moving Forward

After a PSA test it is crucial to:

work closely with your healthcare provider
determine your PSA level
act accordingly if your PSA level is high
develop an appropriate management plan
attend regular check-ups
maintain a healthy lifestyle
focus on early detection

Schedule Your Appointment in Greensboro, NC

If you’re facing elevated PSA levels, board-certified urologist Dr. Luke Machen can provide the expert care and next steps you need. Call (336) 274-1114 now to schedule your appointment at our urology clinic in Greensboro, NC and take the first step toward addressing your concerns with a trusted specialist.

Sources

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15282-elevated-psa-prostate-specific-antigen-level

https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/prostate-specific-antigen-psa-test