diagnosis
What does an elevated PSA level mean, and does it definitely mean I have cancer?
An elevated PSA level does not mean for sure that cancer is there. A PSA test checks your blood for a prostate protein.
An elevated PSA level does not definitely mean that cancer is present.
A PSA test is a blood test. It checks for a protein called PSA, made by the prostate. A high PSA level may be a sign of prostate cancer. But many other things can also cause a high PSA level. This means a high PSA does not always mean cancer is present.
A PSA test is a screening test, not a diagnosis. Screening only shows whether cancer might be present; it does not diagnose it on its own. If a screening test shows a possible sign of cancer, more tests usually follow. A prostate biopsy is the only way to actually diagnose prostate cancer. During a biopsy, a doctor removes a small tissue sample with a needle. The sample is then studied under a microscope for cancer cells.
Your care team can explain what your PSA result means and what tests, if any, might come next.
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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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