What is an elevated PSA level?
The definition of an elevated PSA has changed over the last several years. We used to think that anything over 4.0 was abnormal. Now, we think that anything above 2.5 is abnormal. • Why has the accepted “normal” PSA level changed? A study was done in which men with PSAs between 2.5 to 4.0 underwent biopsies. About 25% of those patients were found to have cancer. • What do you do if there’s an elevated PSA? A study was done in which men with PSAs between 2.5 to 4.0 underwent biopsies. About 25% of those patients were found to have cancer. • What does a biopsy involve? In general, biopsies are done under local anesthesia as an outpatient in the office. The procedure takes about 5 to 10 minutes and is mildly uncomfortable. It involves an ultrasound examination of the prostate with a probe that is placed into the rectum. Then utilizing that gun, we have a • What if there’s an increased PSA but biopsy is negative? If you have an elevated PSA, but the biopsy is negative it doesn’t necessaril
