High PSA Level Treatment in Bakersfield, CA

What is a PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) Level?

Prostate-specific antigen, or PSA, is a protein produced by the prostate gland. It is commonly used as a marker to screen for prostate cancer and to monitor the health of the prostate. PSA is typically found in small amounts in the blood but if there is an issue with the prostate like infection, inflammation or cancer, your PSA levels can rise.

Dr. Robert Waguespack is a board-certified urologist who has been treating men with prostate related conditions in southern California for over 20 years. Dr. Waguespack will take the time to conduct the proper testing necessary and determine the treatment that best fits your needs. If you are located in Downtown Bakersfield, Kern County, Oildale, Seven Oaks or the surrounding area and would like to schedule a consultation at our urology clinic in Bakersfield, CA, please call (661) 321-3303 or request an appointment through our secure online form.

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How is my PSA Tested?

A simple blood test measures PSA levels. This test is called a PSA blood test.

Your doctor will analyze the results to determine if your PSA level falls within the normal range, which is typically considered to be 0-4 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL).

What is a High PSA Level?

Elevated PSA levels can be a source of concern for many men. An elevated PSA level doesn’t necessarily indicate cancer, but it does warrant further investigation and discussion with a healthcare provider.

There is still some debate about a normal PSA level. Typically, a level of 4.0 ng/mL or higher would lead to more testing. Dr. Robert Waguespack will consider other issues together with the PSA level to decide whether to perform further testing.

Next Steps

If your PSA test is showing abnormal PSA levels, you may need other tests. Your age, general health, family history and health history factor into the decision.

The first PSA test does not show what is causing the high PSA. The next step recommended by Dr. Robert Waguespack is usually a prostate biopsy. During the biopsy, a healthcare provider removes a small sample of prostate tissue to check it for cancer.

Other tests may include:

• Another PSA test, especially if levels were low or you show no symptoms
• A urine test
• A digital rectal exam (DRE) to feel your prostate for lumps or anything unusual
• A prostate biopsy
• Prostate MRI
• More blood tests (Iso PSA or 4Kscore®)

Causes of a High PSA

A high PSA level may be caused by:

• Prostate cancer
• Inflammation of the prostate gland, often caused by infection (prostatitis)
• Recent ejaculation
• Strenuous physical activity
• An enlarged prostate (BPH) (benign prostatic hyperplasia)
• Taking certain medicines
• Other common prostate problems

Do I Have Cancer?

A high PSA does not necessarily mean you have cancer.

Dr. Robert Waguespack will look at two factors related to your PSA after additional testing:

• Your PSA level: A higher level means a higher risk of prostate cancer
• A continuous rise: PSA levels that continue to rise after two or more tests may mean you have cancer

Two men can even have the same PSA levels but different risks of prostate cancer. And a high PSA level may reflect prostate problems that aren’t cancer.

Risk Factors for Prostate Cancer

As you test your PSA levels, it is important to evaluate your risk for prostate cancer.

You may be at higher risk for prostate cancer if you:

• Are age 50 or older
• Are of African-American or Caribbean descent
• Have a family history of prostate cancer
• Have certain genetic changes that make it more likely prostate cancer will develop

Getting your PSA level tested is a great way to stay educated about your risk for developing prostate cancer.

Steps Moving Forward