What are the treatment options for raised PSA?

PSA is a protein measured in a blood test. A higher result can occur with prostate enlargement, inflammation, infection, recent ejaculation, or prostate cancer. The result alone does not identify the cause, so a clinician considers your age, symptoms, previous results, medicines and examination.

The next step may be a repeat PSA test after a suitable interval, especially when a temporary cause could have affected the result. An MRI scan can provide pictures of the prostate and help identify an area that needs closer assessment. A biopsy removes small tissue samples so a laboratory can look for cancer cells.

Arrange a review with the clinician who requested the blood test and take details of urinary symptoms, fever, pain, recent procedures and medicines. Do not start, stop or change treatment based on the number alone.

Your clinician may explain preparation for a repeat PSA test, discuss an MRI scan, or refer you for a biopsy. If an infection or prostate inflammation is suspected, that problem may be assessed and treated first. If cancer is found, further discussions can cover monitoring or prostate cancer treatment; a raised PSA by itself is not a cancer diagnosis.

Contact a healthcare service promptly if a raised PSA is accompanied by fever, chills, feeling suddenly unwell, or painful urination, because these symptoms can occur with infection. Seek urgent help if you cannot pass urine, have severe worsening pain, or feel faint and very unwell.

Ask what could explain your result, whether it should be repeated, and whether you need an MRI scan or biopsy. Ask how urinary infection or prostate enlargement has been considered, what symptoms should trigger faster review, and when you will receive the next result.