abnormal psa

[carpetlady]

WHAT DOES IT MEAN WHEN YOU HAVE AN ABNORMAL PSA

[blueskyabq]

Hi Dr Smita,

If a male with PSA in the range of 1.4 in later 40s and early 50s, last year tested in this range was about 18 Mo ago.  Recent test was about 2.6, with normal DRE and enlarged prostate (not actual prostate density test though).  

Is this situation concerned?  Need biopsy?  And with PSA<4, fPSA cannot help to distinguish if cancer related, what test you may recommend if it is your patient?

The Dr order him a course of antibiotics, but just the first time with medicine, feel very bad headache, is that normal, should continue to take the medicine?

Thank you in advance for your advice and help!

[Dr_Smita_S]

Hi
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by normal prostate cells.
PSA levels tend to increase with age; this increase is related to prostate volume.
It is a test done for the early detection of prostate cancer. Other conditions as Prostatitis, Lower Urinary Tract symptoms, benign hypertrophy or enlargment of the prostate  can also elevate PSA.

Do write in if you need more information.
Regards.