What Are the Odds That an Elevated PSA Means Prostate Cancer?

The PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test is commonly used as a screening for prostate cancer in men over the age of 50, or in men of any age with a history of prostate cancer. An elevated PSA means the odds of developing prostate cancer are higher.

History

• PSA, sometimes referred to as a tumor marker, is produced naturally by the body in low quantities. According to the National Cancer Institute, an elevated PSA alone does not mean prostate cancer.

Identification

• An elevated PSA can be the result of an inflammation of the prostate known as prostatitis. It can also be the result of an enlarged prostate. Either of these conditions can develop into prostate cancer.

Potential

• According to WebMD, the odds are a 15 percent chance of having prostate cancer if the PSA result is less than 4 with a normal prostate exam. PSA levels between 4 and 10 are at a 25 percent chance and those higher than 10 are at 67 percent odds for cancer.

Considerations

• The American Cancer Society recommends comparison of the PSA velocity results from one year to the next. A sudden jump in the lab values could increase the odds of prostate cancer.

Risk

• Age is at the top of the list of risk factors. According to the National Cancer Institute, nearly 63 percent of all prostate cancer occurs in men over age 65.