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What PSA Level Would Call for a Biopsy?

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing is used to detect potential prostate cancer. Heightened levels in a PSA test may lead to the performance of a biopsy, a tissue-sampling procedure that can definitively determine if cancer is present.

  1. The Facts

    • PSA is a type of protein created by cells inside the prostate gland. Normally, men have a low amount of PSA in their bloodstream, but cancerous and noncancerous conditions can cause levels of the protein to rise.

    PSA Testing

    • Doctors check PSA levels with a blood test. In healthy men, normal PSA amounts are generally considered to be less than 4 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml) of blood.

    Interpreting Results

    • According to the peer-reviewed service Lab Tests Online, there is no clear consensus on how high a PSA level must be before a biopsy is ordered. However, there is a consensus that readings of greater than 10 ng/ml indicate a serious increase in cancer risk.

    Results That May Lead to Biopsy

    • PSA readings between 4 ng/ml and 10 ng/ml present a somewhat higher risk of prostate cancer and other noncancerous prostate disorders. Doctors may order a biopsy for results in this range or higher.

    Considerations

    • Prostate cancer can also occur in individuals with normal PSA levels. Cancer may be more aggressive in these cases.

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