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Reasons Other Than Cancer for High PSA

A PSA test is a blood test that measures the amount of a protein, prostate-specific antigen. A high PSA level can indicate one of several conditions or factors. According to the National Cancer Institute, most men with a high PSA level don't have prostate cancer.

  1. Infection

    • Certain infections, such as prostatitis or a urinary tract infection, can cause an elevated PSA level. Prostatitis is an inflammation of the prostate gland. An infection can be anywhere along the urinary tract including the kidneys, ureters, bladder or urethra.

    Trauma

    • According to the ninth edition of Mosby's Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference, recent trauma or injury to the area around the prostate gland, such as cystoscopy, prostate biopsy, transurethral manipulation of the prostate, or insertion of a urinary catheter can cause an elevated PSA level for up to six weeks.

    Ejaculation

    • According to the ninth edition of Mosby's Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference, a PSA test within 24 hours of ejaculation can find an increased level of PSA in the blood.

    Prostate Abnormalities

    • An enlarged prostate, also called benign prostate hyperplasia or BPH, can elevate the amount of PSA in the blood. This condition is common in older men.

    Considerations

    • Because PSA might be elevated for various reasons and a false positive can occur, the physician orders further testing to confirm a diagnosis. That can include a follow-up PSA test, imaging tests to see the prostate gland, and a biopsy. Not every test is indicated for every person or situation.

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