
Are Elevated PSA And DRE Signs Of Prostate Cancer?

Posted on
Thu, 18 Feb 2016
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team


Question : A 67 year old friend of mine suddenly had an elevated PSA and a concerning DRE. Does this mean that
he has prostate cancer, or could there be other reasons.
My friend is getting an MRI on monday
he has prostate cancer, or could there be other reasons.
My friend is getting an MRI on monday
Brief Answer:
Considerations.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for the query.
An elevated PSA does not always indicate prostate cancer. However, if the number is very high then it can in fact be concerning.
It sounds like his doctor is ordering imaging to evaluate the DRE findings. A biopsy may be done in order to confirm whether there may in fact be cancer.
I know this is very stressful but I would encourage him to complete the testing ordered by his doctor so a diagnosis can be made. If this is in fact prostate cancer there are many good treatment options available.
Thank you again for sending the query.
You can always get back to me if you have further query.
Sincerely,
Dr Galamaga
Considerations.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and thanks for the query.
An elevated PSA does not always indicate prostate cancer. However, if the number is very high then it can in fact be concerning.
It sounds like his doctor is ordering imaging to evaluate the DRE findings. A biopsy may be done in order to confirm whether there may in fact be cancer.
I know this is very stressful but I would encourage him to complete the testing ordered by his doctor so a diagnosis can be made. If this is in fact prostate cancer there are many good treatment options available.
Thank you again for sending the query.
You can always get back to me if you have further query.
Sincerely,
Dr Galamaga
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Deepak

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