Does a rising psa after a radical prostatectomy mean cancer?

Yes: This is called psa recurrence. Depending on pathological factors you can predict the chances. Radiation and or hormone ablation are often next treatment steps if surgery was first treatment.

Likely: A rising level of psa or any other tumor marker indicates increasing tumor mass. Therefore a rising psa would suggest recurrence of the tumor.

If the prostatectomy: Removed all the prostate, post op psa should be 0 in 30 - 60 days, if it isn't either prostate tissue, or prostate cancer remains, either in the prostate bed for the former, or elsewhere for the latter. The pathology report usually details margins of resection, and capsule penetration. This can occur with any method of prostatectomy.

Yes: There should be no psa rise after surgery. However, acting on a rise depends on your life expectancy and how quickly the psa is rising.

Yes: Psa comes from prostate cells. So if you've had your prostate completely removed, you should not have an elevated psa. If you do, it means there are prostate cells somewhere in your body. This usually means a recurrence of prostate cancer. Sorry, i'm sure that's not what you wanted to hear. Talk to your urologist or oncologist for more info, and best wishes.

Yes: Psa comes from prostate cells. So if you've had your prostate completely removed, you should not have an elevated psa. If you do, it means there are prostate cells somewhere in your body. This usually means a recurrence of prostate cancer. Sorry, i'm sure that's not what you wanted to hear. Talk to your urologist or oncologist for more info, and best wishes.

It means....: Desirable psa after successful radical prostatectomy (rp) is staying low at.