What are some treatment options for elevated psa levels?

There are several treatment options available for elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels. The best course of treatment will depend on the individual patient's situation and should be discussed with a healthcare provider. Some of the most common treatment options for elevated PSA levels include:

Active surveillance: If the PSA level is only mildly elevated and the prostate cancer is confined to the prostate gland, active surveillance may be recommended. This involves closely monitoring the PSA level and the prostate gland with regular exams and biopsies to track any changes.

Medication: There are several medications that can be used to lower PSA levels. These include hormonal therapy, such as leuprolide (Lupron) or goserelin (Zoladex), which reduce the levels of testosterone in the body, which can slow the growth of prostate cancer. Other medications, such as finasteride (Proscar) or dutasteride (Avodart), can also be used to reduce PSA levels.

Surgery: If the prostate cancer is more advanced or is not responding to medication, surgery may be necessary. The most common type of surgery for prostate cancer is radical prostatectomy, which involves removing the prostate gland. Other surgical options include laser surgery, robotic surgery, and cryotherapy.

Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy X-rays or other forms of radiation to kill prostate cancer cells. It can be used as a primary treatment or in combination with other therapies.

Proton therapy: Proton therapy is a type of radiation therapy that uses protons instead of X-rays. It is a newer form of radiation therapy that may offer certain advantages over traditional X-ray radiation therapy, such as reduced side effects.

Brachytherapy: Brachytherapy involves implanting radioactive seeds directly into the prostate gland to kill prostate cancer cells.

Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that uses the body's own immune system to fight cancer. It can be used to treat advanced prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.

It is important to discuss all of the treatment options available with a healthcare provider to determine the best course of treatment for elevated PSA levels.