Diagnosis of a raised PSA at OpenMed Warsaw
A raised PSA level does not automatically mean prostate cancer, but it always needs explaining. PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) is a protein produced by the cells of the prostate gland; its concentration is measured in a blood test. If your PSA result is higher than expected for your age, or if it is gradually rising, it is worth booking a urology consultation. At OpenMed in Warsaw we offer a comprehensive work-up for a raised PSA that identifies the cause of the abnormal result and plans what to do next.
PSA is not a marker specific to prostate cancer alone. Its level can also rise with benign prostatic hyperplasia, prostatitis, after certain urological procedures, and even after intense physical exercise or ejaculation shortly before the test. That is why interpreting the result should always take into account the patient's age, symptoms, medical history and the results of additional tests.
What can a raised PSA mean?
A raised PSA result is a signal for further investigation, but on its own it is not a diagnosis. Most often it is linked to benign prostatic hyperplasia, which affects many men over 50. A rise in PSA can also be caused by inflammation of the prostate gland or a urinary tract infection. In some cases a raised PSA level may point to a developing prostate cancer, which is why an abnormal result should never be ignored.
Some patients with a raised PSA have no symptoms at all. Others may develop lower urinary tract symptoms such as frequent urination, a weak urine stream, difficulty starting to pass urine, a feeling that the bladder is not fully empty or the need to pass urine at night. These symptoms are not specific to prostate cancer, however, and can also occur in benign prostatic enlargement.
What does the work-up for a raised PSA look like?
Diagnosis starts with a urology consultation. Our specialists take a detailed medical history, review the PSA result and ask about your symptoms, coexisting conditions and any family history of prostate cancer.
An important part of the visit is a digital rectal examination of the prostate gland, which allows the doctor to assess its size, consistency and any abnormalities. Depending on the clinical situation, the doctor may recommend additional tests such as a free PSA measurement, an ultrasound of the urinary tract or prostate, multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging of the prostate (mpMRI) or a prostate biopsy.
The aim of the work-up is not only to rule out cancer, but above all to establish the real cause of the PSA rise and choose the right course of action.
What happens after the diagnosis?
Further treatment depends on the cause of the raised PSA. In benign prostatic hyperplasia our doctors may propose pharmacological treatment and regular urological check-ups. If inflammation is the cause, appropriate treatment is started and its effectiveness assessed. Where cancer is suspected, the patient is referred for further diagnosis and treatment in line with current urological standards.
In many cases immediate surgical treatment is not necessary. What matters most is the correct interpretation of test results and regular monitoring, which allows any changes requiring intervention to be detected early enough.
Book a urology consultation at OpenMed Warsaw
If you have received a raised PSA result or you want to discuss worrying urinary symptoms, book an appointment at OpenMed Warsaw. Our specialists will carry out a thorough work-up, explain what the results mean and help you plan the next steps. Registration is available by phone and online.
FAQ Diagnosis of a raised PSA
No. A raised PSA result can also be linked to benign prostatic hyperplasia, inflammation or other factors. The doctor establishes the final cause after the appropriate tests.
Before the test it is worth avoiding intense physical exercise, cycling and ejaculation for about 48 hours. Your doctor will give you detailed instructions.
Depending on the situation these may include a digital rectal examination, a free PSA measurement, a prostate ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging and - in justified cases - a biopsy of the prostate gland.
Yes, particularly in men over 50 and in those with a family history of prostate cancer. How often to test should be decided individually by the doctor.
Any raised or worryingly rising PSA result is worth discussing with a urologist, even if you have no symptoms. This makes it possible to establish the cause quickly and start the right course of action.