Is Elevated Prostate Antigen a Sign of Cancer?

The prostate is particularly important for men. However, modern men face significant work and life pressures. If they do not prioritize their physical health, especially the health of their prostate, it can easily lead to prostate diseases. Once the prostate becomes diseased, it can have a significant impact on men's physical health and work. There are many types of prostate diseases, and the harms vary depending on the type. Regular prostate check-ups are crucial.

A high prostate antigen level does not necessarily indicate cancer. Generally speaking, prostate-specific antigen can be related to urinary tract inflammation, urethral manipulation, prostate massage, prostatic hyperplasia, prostate cancer, and other factors. In the absence of prostatic urinary tract inflammation and recent urethral manipulation, an elevation in PSA requires comprehensive consideration, including the ratio of free PSA to total PSA, PSAD (PSA density), and the rate of PSA growth. It is also necessary to combine the results of physical examination, digital rectal examination, and prostate MRI. When one or more of these indicators are abnormal, prostate biopsy can be performed for histopathological diagnosis to determine whether it is prostate cancer, which is the gold standard.

There are several reasons for a high prostate antigen level:

1. Prostate cancer: The presence of malignant tumors in the prostate can cause an increase in prostate-specific antigen spilling into the blood, which can be detected through testing. Elevated levels often exceed 10ng/L, so prostate-specific antigen levels above 10ng/L require prostate biopsy to rule out prostate cancer.
2. Age: Age can affect serum PSA levels. As people age, the number of prostate gland cells increases, secreting more PSA, leading to an upward trend in PSA levels. Therefore, it is often necessary to adjust the normal reference range of tPSA based on the patient's age: 0-4.5ng/ml for ages 60-69, and 0-6.5ng/ml for ages 70-79.
3. Inflammation: Acute and chronic prostatitis, urethritis, cystitis, seminal vesicle inflammation, and other conditions can lead to elevated PSA levels. PSA should be measured 8 weeks after symptoms resolve.
4. Physical stimulation: Prostate massage, prostate biopsy, digital rectal examination, indwelling catheters, cystoscopy, prolonged cycling, and even prostate therapy can also lead to elevated PSA levels.
5. Sexual behavior: Sexual stimulation can cause prostate congestion and edema, releasing more PSA, leading to elevated PSA levels.