Prostate PSA Normal Value and Its Implications

I. What is the Normal Value of Prostate PSA?

The normal value of prostate PSA is less than 4 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen, a tumor marker for prostate cancer. A significant increase in this indicator necessitates vigilance for prostate tumors.

II. Possible Causes of Elevated PSA

1. Iatrogenic Manipulation: Surgical procedures or manipulations within the past week, including catheterization, cystoscopy, urethroscopy, or digital rectal examination, may cause an increase in PSA levels. It is advisable to wait for one week after these procedures before repeating the test.

2. Infection: Patients with recent prostatitis may exhibit increased PSA levels. Waiting for the inflammation to resolve before repeating the test is recommended.

3. Medication: Certain medications can interfere with PSA test results. For instance, oral administration of finasteride or androgen-suppressing drugs like bicalutamide can lead to a decrease in PSA levels.

III. What Does Prostate PSA Value Mean?

Prostate PSA is a specific antigen produced by the prostate gland. Its normal value does not exceed 4 ng/mL. This value can indicate the presence of a prostate tumor. If the value is too high, the possibility of a prostate tumor cannot be discounted. In such cases, patients should seek medical attention for further examination. However, it's worth noting that patients with prostatitis or prostatic hyperplasia may also have slightly elevated PSA levels, but these values generally remain within the normal range.