Raised PSA

Prostate specific antigen (PSA) is a small protein secreted from the prostate into the blood. Low levels of PSA are normal but raised PSA could indicate prostate problems.

  • Overview
  • Diagnosis
  • Arrange a Consultation

    • Overview of Raised PSA

    PSA is a small protein that is secreted from the prostate into the blood and can be measured in the blood in nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL).  PSA is used throughout the world as a marker of prostate cancer but it is worth noting that PSA is ‘prostate specific’ but not ‘cancer specific’.

    There are in essence three ways in which PSA can be elevated.

    • The prostate could be very enlarged, this is usually through a benign process i.e. BPH.

    Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

    • The PSA could be elevated through activity in the prostate usually due to inflammation.  This inflammation could be because of a current or previous infection or recent instrumentation of the urinary tract.  This is an entireley benign process and is the most common cause of artificially elevated PSAs.
    • The third and most concerning cause of an elevated PSA is cancer of the prostate.

    Because men’s prostates tend to enlarge with age and because benign enlargement of the prostate leads to a slightly higher PSA there are age specific ranges which are considered a normal PSA.  Consultant urologists would be keen to see any man with a persistantly elevated PSA beyond his age specific range.

    Diagnosing Raised PSA

    Digital rectal examination (DRE) or per-rectal examinations (PR)

    The back of the prostate (posterior aspect) lies next to the lining of the rectum and can be easily felt when a trained professional inserts a lubricated gloved finger into the rectum to feel the shape and texture of the prostate glands.

    This (although some men feel this is a somewhat undignified procedure to undergo) is a completely painless one.  It does not in itself completely exclude prostate cancer but taken together with a PSA is very valuable to a consultant urolgist.

    If a gentleman is found to have an elevated PSA bloodtest plus / minus an abnormal feeling prostate, then the next stage of an investigation is a multi-parametric MRI scan of the prostate.

    multi-parametric MRI scan of the prostate

    Next Steps

    Get fast access to leading specialists for the swift diagnosis and treatment of urological conditions in a private clinic environment.

    If you would like more information or wish to arrange a consultation with one of our specialist consultant urological surgeons then please either Call 0118 920 7040 or complete the form below.

    Insured patients

    Contact your GP and ask for a referral to the Urology Partnership.

    All consultations, investigations and treatments are covered by major insurance companies (depending on policy).

    Funding your own treatment

    Self-funding initial consultation fee is £205. Follow up fees are £165.

    Consultation charges are exclusive of any tests and other investigations that the consultant may wish to carry out.

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