• What Happens if You Have Elevated PSA Levels?

    PSA refers to prostate-specific antigen. Testing for this protein that is produced by the prostate is often done as a screening test for disorders of the prostate, including prostate cancer. PSA tests are often done by primary care physicians in the course of a routine physical. If your levels are high, your primary care doctor may refer you to a urologist.  

    It is important to note that elevated PSA levels are not always indicative of prostate cancer, but they are usually an indicator that you may need further testing. If you have elevated PSA levels, your urologist may recommend that you undergo a prostate biopsy to determine if you have any cancerous cells. The results of those tests will be used to diagnose prostate cancer or decide if you need more testing to determine if you have another prostate disorder.  

    If you are concerned about prostate health, make an appointment with a urologist at Urology Associates, P.C. For more information about our urologists and cancer treatments in Nashville, call (855) 901-1338. 

  • The Link Between PSA Levels and Prostate Cancer

    In men, the prostate gland produces a protein called prostate-specific antigen (PSA). A PSA test measures the level of this protein in a man’s bloodstream. This is clinically significant because prostate cancer can be associated with elevated PSA levels. However, it’s important to note that many men with prostate cancer do not have elevated PSA levels and many men with high PSA levels do not have prostate cancer. A urology specialist will evaluate each patient on a case-by-case basis.

    You can learn more about PSA levels and prostate cancer by watching this video. This urology specialist explains the other exams that a man might have when prostate cancer is suspected, such as a digital rectal exam and a prostate biopsy.

    If you have been referred to a prostate cancer specialist and you live in Nashville, you can call Urology Associates, P.C. at (855) 901-1338. Our urology team can answer any questions you may have about your elevated PSA levels .

  • What It Means to Have Elevated PSA Levels

    Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein that is produced by the prostate gland. If your urologist determines that you have elevated PSA levels, you may be asked to undergo additional tests to figure out if a medical condition could be causing this. It is possible for elevated PSA levels to indicate prostate cancer, although many men who do have elevated PSA levels do not have prostate cancer. Similarly, some men with low PSA levels do have prostate cancer. This is why additional tests may be needed.

    Elevated PSA levels can also be caused by conditions other than cancer, including urinary tract infections (UTIs) and prostatitis, the latter of which refers to the inflammation of the prostate gland. Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or an enlarged prostate is another condition that may result in elevated PSA levels.

    You’ll find comprehensive and compassionate treatment for prostate cancer at Urology Associates, P.C. To discuss cancer treatments in Tennessee, call our office at (855) 901-1338 and make an appointment with one of our knowledgeable and experienced urologists.