What is the first treatment for raised PSA?

PSA is a protein made by prostate cells. A raised result can occur with benign prostate enlargement, inflammation, infection, recent procedures or cancer. The result is therefore a clue rather than a diagnosis, and it does not by itself show which condition is present.

The clinician may review urinary symptoms, medicines, previous PSA results and recent activities before deciding whether to repeat the blood test. An MRI scan can show areas that need closer assessment. A biopsy takes small tissue samples from the prostate; laboratory examination can confirm whether cancer is present and describe its grade.

Arrange a review of the result and ask whether infection, inflammation, prostate enlargement or a recent urinary procedure could have influenced it. Ask when to repeat the PSA and whether an MRI scan should come first. Do not start cancer treatment solely because one blood test is raised.

If a biopsy is recommended, ask how it will be performed, how infection risk is reduced, which medicines need review and when results should be discussed. Report burning urine, fever, pelvic pain or difficulty passing urine before an invasive test.

Seek prompt medical help for fever with urinary symptoms, inability to pass urine, severe pelvic pain, confusion or feeling suddenly very unwell. After a biopsy, urgent assessment is needed for heavy bleeding, clots that block urine flow, fever or worsening pain. These symptoms can signal infection or bleeding rather than simply a change in PSA.

How does this result compare with my earlier PSA values? Could infection or prostate enlargement explain it? Should I repeat the PSA? Is MRI appropriate before biopsy? If biopsy confirms cancer, what grade and stage would guide treatment?