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If my PSA level goes up after I've had prostate cancer treatment, what does that mean and what's the next step?
A PSA test measures a protein. Your prostate makes this protein. By itself, a PSA result cannot tell if cancer has come back.
A rising PSA test after treatment does not always mean cancer is back. PSA is a protein made by the prostate. A blood test measures how much PSA is in your blood. By itself, a test result does not diagnose cancer. If a test shows a possible sign of cancer, more tests are needed. These find out if cancer is really there. A higher PSA can be a sign of prostate cancer. But many other things can also raise PSA levels. To look closer, your care team may use a physical exam. They may also use imaging tests or a small tissue sample. This sample test is called a biopsy. A biopsy is the only way to know for sure if cancer is present. If cancer is confirmed, treatment depends on your age and general health. It also depends on how serious the cancer is. Treatment options can include observation, surgery, radiation, hormone therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. Talk with your care team about what your PSA result means. Ask them what tests or next steps make sense for you.
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This page is educational, not medical advice. Talk with your care team about decisions that apply to you. If something feels urgent, contact your care team — for emergencies call your local emergency number.
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