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Is PSA Level Of 5 Normal?
Posted on
Sat, 6 May 2017
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sat, 6 May 2017
Answered on
Fri, 2 Jun 2017
Last reviewed on
Question : I have a question for you I have a enlarged prostat and my Psa is 5. Should I wory
Brief Answer:
the rise is very small, most cases due to benign causes
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
In the majority of persons, the increase in PSA is due to benign (not cancerous) changes to the prostate. In some persons, the presence of an infection can cause an increase.
A recent prostate examination can also cause an increase.
Previously the cut off point for PSA was 4 but this is not longer cut and dry.
There are some persons with higher PSAs who do not have prostatic cancer and some persons with PSAs lower than 4 who have this disease.
Your doctor may look at the change in PSA over time and also the amount of free PSA.
If the PSA has changed a lot in a short period of time, this is concerning.
Free psa refers to psa that is not attached to a another protein the body. A high level of free PSA may sometimes indicate that there is a risk of prostatic cancer.
If your doctor remains concerned then an ultrasound or urine test maybe ordered.
Summary: (1) in the vast majority of persons the increase is due to benign cause and no cancer is present
This may be the case for you.
The value of 5, is not that significantly high and cancer is not likely but your doctor will rule this out with further testing
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
the rise is very small, most cases due to benign causes
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
In the majority of persons, the increase in PSA is due to benign (not cancerous) changes to the prostate. In some persons, the presence of an infection can cause an increase.
A recent prostate examination can also cause an increase.
Previously the cut off point for PSA was 4 but this is not longer cut and dry.
There are some persons with higher PSAs who do not have prostatic cancer and some persons with PSAs lower than 4 who have this disease.
Your doctor may look at the change in PSA over time and also the amount of free PSA.
If the PSA has changed a lot in a short period of time, this is concerning.
Free psa refers to psa that is not attached to a another protein the body. A high level of free PSA may sometimes indicate that there is a risk of prostatic cancer.
If your doctor remains concerned then an ultrasound or urine test maybe ordered.
Summary: (1) in the vast majority of persons the increase is due to benign cause and no cancer is present
This may be the case for you.
The value of 5, is not that significantly high and cancer is not likely but your doctor will rule this out with further testing
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: Consult a Urologist online for consultation about prostate and bladder problems, sexual dysfunction, kidney stones, prostate enlargement, urinary incontinence, impotence and erectile dysfunction - Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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