Longboat Key, FL
A 57-year-old female asked:
Does a high psa score mean cancer?
2 doctor answers • 2 doctors weighed in
Dr. Charles Sturgisanswered
Pathology 31 years experience
Not always...: While a high psa score may be secondary to prostate carcinoma, other things can also cause elevated psa, such as inflammation or "prostatitis". It is important to correlate the degree of elevation to the clinical setting for the patient involved, and it may also be important to follow the psa level over time.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Chad Levittanswered
Radiation Oncology 24 years experience
Not always: Usually the change in a psa value from one to the next is more concerning than the sole value itself. Rate of change is important too. Psa is a tool that helps us determine who is at highest risk for prostate cancer and therefore who needs a biopsy to diagnose cancer. Normal values slowly increase as one ages. However psa values over 20ng/ml are very concerning for cancer and need a biopsy.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.2k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Similar questions
CA
A 35-year-old female asked:
Is all high psa cancer?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Joseph Woodsanswered
Pathology 30 years experience
No.: Not all high psa is cancer. Many times it can be in prostatic hyperplasia, and BPH or benign prostatic hypertrophy. However, many times cancer must be ruled out in these cases. That's why other tests like digital rectal exam and biopsy of the prostate are done. Psa levels >10 ng/ml or positive dre should be tested for cancer with transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy or trus to rule out cancer.
Created for people with ongoing healthcare needs but benefits everyone.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Apr 21, 2013
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