High PSA Level Causes
11/05/2007 |
Question:
I am writing to inquire if there are other causes for high PSA level, other than cancer. Say bladder infection, ecoli etc. My husband is scheduled for a biopsy of his prostate, some people state that this is not necessary. His prostate is normal, however, his PSA levels are high and he had two screenings. Please advise.
Answer:
Most elevated PSA’s are not due to prostate cancer. PSA can be elevated in patients with the following conditions:
- BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia or enlarged prostate) – the most common reason for an elevated psa
- Some acute urinary tract infections – those with severe urinary symptoms
- After injury, as in post prostate surgery
However, men with a ten year life expectancy who have an elevated PSA should have a prostate biopsy as about one third will have a potentially curable prostate cancer. Nowadays, almost 75% of men diagnosed with prostate cancer are diagnosed because their PSA is elevated.
For more information:
Go to the Prostate Cancer health topic.