What is the treatment for a high PSA?
Some medications can artificially lower the PSA, such as finasteride (Proscar or Propecia) or dutasteride (Avodart). Be sure to remind your doctor of any and all medications you may be taking, so they can factor them in when assessing your PSA test results.
What is next step if PSA is elevated?
A prostate MRI is non-invasive imaging alternative that your doctor might recommend if your PSA levels are elevated. Often, it is the next step after a PSA test and a digital rectal exam, and before a more invasive prostate biopsy. MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging.
At what PSA level should treatment be done?
Recent studies have shown that for optimal results, PSA levels should be lower than 1 ng/ml, and even lower than 0.5 ng/ml. Levels that are above 1 or 2 ng/ml 12 to 18 months following completion of radiation treatments are very worrisome, because they indicate that the cancer may not have been eradicated.
What does a urologist do if your PSA is elevated?
After an initial test result of elevated PSA levels, a urologist will want to perform another PSA test and other tests to diagnose the issue. Prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, is a protein produced in cells of the prostate gland and a PSA test measures the level of PSA in a man's blood.
At what PSA level should a biopsy be done?
A lower percent-free PSA means that your chance of having prostate cancer is higher and you should probably have a biopsy. Many doctors recommend a prostate biopsy for men whose percent-free PSA is 10% or less, and advise that men consider a biopsy if it is between 10% and 25%.
What is an alarming PSA level?
PSA levels under 4 ng/ml are generally considered normal, while levels over 4 ng/ml are considered abnormal. PSA levels between 4 and 10 ng/ml indicate a risk of prostate cancer higher than normal. When the PSA level is above 10 ng/ml, risk of prostate cancer is much higher.
How can I lower my PSA number?
Tips for Naturally Lowering PSA LevelsIf you've had your prostate-specific antigen (PSA) tested and your numbers were higher, you and your doctor may have discussed ways to lower it. ... Eat more tomatoes. ... Choose healthy protein sources. ... Take vitamin D. ... Drink green tea. ... Exercise. ... Reduce stress.
What causes PSA to go down?
While age and genetics both affect PSA levels, lifestyle factors actually play the largest role. That's why simple changes to health, diet, and exercise routines can naturally bring down PSA levels.
How quickly can PSA levels change?
After radiation therapy it may take 1-2 years for your PSA to drop to its lowest level. Each case is different, so ask your doctor about what your numbers mean.
Which is better TURP or laser?
There was no difference between the two procedures in terms of hospital stay or complications. However, men in the TURP group achieved a faster urinary flow rate (they could pass higher volumes of urine more quickly). TURP was also slightly more cost-effective and faster to perform than the laser procedure.
How serious is an elevated PSA?
Elevated levels may indicate prostate cancer, but PSA levels can also be affected by other things, such as enlarged prostate, a urinary tract infection, or recent ejaculation. On their own, PSA levels aren't a good indicator of prostate health.
When do you refer to urology for elevated PSA?
Men with a repeat PSA level ≥4 ng/mL should be referred to a urologist for evaluation.