PSA count and prostate cancer

The count reflects the amount of prostate-specific antigen detected in blood at that time. Prostate cancer can raise PSA, but benign enlargement, inflammation, infection, and recent instrumentation can do so as well. Results are therefore not read as a simple yes-or-no cancer test.

A clinician may look at previous counts, the direction of change, prostate size, age, symptoms, and examination findings. The same result can have different implications in different people. See the overview of [Prostate Cancer](/conditions/prostate-cancer/) for context.

Ask which factors were considered before the count was interpreted. Report infection, fever, ejaculation, a catheter, a recent prostate examination, or a procedure. New [Difficulty Passing Urine](/symptoms/difficulty-passing-urine/) deserves clinical attention regardless of the count.

A clinician may recommend repeating the count under suitable conditions, arranging an examination, or using MRI and biopsy to gather more evidence. Do not interpret a single laboratory value as a diagnosis or change medicines without advice.

Book follow-up for a count that is abnormal, continues to rise, or comes with urinary changes, blood in urine or semen, or persistent pelvic, back, or hip pain. Seek urgent care for inability to pass urine or fever with urinary symptoms.

Ask how your count compares with earlier results, which benign conditions could explain it, and what would make repeat testing useful. If cancer is found, ask how options such as [Radiotherapy](/treatments/radiation-oncology/radiotherapy/) or [Prostate Removal Surgery](/treatments/surgical-oncology/prostatectomy/) fit the findings.