High PSA Levels: What is the cause?

Try saw pametto.

get a new dr. first thing ..

your Dr. likes to "hunt & Fish" too much

I have read quite a little bit here, but still want to ask this question. I'm 81. Recent PSA test was 6 points something. My urologist would like to conduct a biopsy. And he said there is a 75% chance that I'm good, but that leaves at 25% chance that I have a cancer. And of course, without the test there's no way to tell if it's aggressive or not. My question is this. Should I proceed with the biopsy?

I'm 81, have minor kidney and liver problems, more concerning is nerve problems that have resulted in foot drop four years ago in one leg and in November, a few months ago, nerve/muscle weakness in the thigh of the other leg. And along with that is moderate but constant discomfort. I really don't need to undergo any procedure that is not clearly necessary. Comments and or advice, please.

@cekkk I'm 66 and my PSA has been above 6 for 3 years. The last reading was September 2023 and the reading was 10.03. I will be getting an updated reading next week since I will be seeing the urologist the following week. My urologist has not pushed for a biopsy but it may be because I'm not having any issues other than the elevated PSA. An ultrasound showed that the prostate is enlarged, which can result in a higher PSA. The urologist told me there are no imperfections in the prostate (via the DRE) and he uses that as the indicator for cancer. I trust his experience. You may want to get a second opinion before submitting to a biopsy.
Tony in Michigan

My urologist actually had a great deal to do with development of the psa test. I'm unclear whether I have substantial "other" issues. That needs to be determined. Thanks for your comment.

"There is no specific normal or abnormal level of PSA in the blood." (cancer.gov)

We really need better information on this topic. From what I've read, some prostates generate more PSA than others. Some are larger than others (which also means more PSA). We don't know why. It doesn't seem reasonable to make people worry about PSA levels and try to reduce them without additional concerns.

I have had "high" PSA for years. I had multiple tests, including 3T MRIs. They haven't shown anything. My PSA levels can vary 3-5 points, depending on sexual activity.

@arctic22, right. fire his useless ass out of your life.

To my understanding - it is not the absolute level of your PSA reading that's an issue (though really elevated readings are a problem even if steady) - it's the change and rate of change that's the indicator of developing problems.

I am 66 year old with prostate “infections” at least 5 since I was 27 years of age. I have learned so much about the prostate and these damn PSA levels. So many things can cause a rise in that level anything from enlarged prostate, chronic prostate infections, infections and of course yes, cancer. Due to my Family History of prostate cancer, i.e. my Dad, his brother and my brother my Urologist pushed for me to have the biopsy which I finally did after putting it off for 4 months. Prior to that he did 4 procedures involving prostate, bladder and obtaining urine samples after prostate massage. I did some reading and ALL of those procedures could push the PSA up as they are stimulating and irritating the prostate. I had a negative MRI but I still agreed to the biopsy given my family history. I am awaiting results. The procedure went well. I had 2mg of Ativan in me which I took about 1.5 hours prior to the procedure and had no pain what so ever. Ativan is not for pain but I needed to have less anxiety and it did the trick. He did numb the prostate through the rectum with Xylocaine but I didn’t feel that either. I felt slight pressure from the “bites” of the biopsy tool but no pain. It was over before I knew it, hence the Ativan. Ask your Urologists if they will let you have Ativan or Valium or something similar, i.e. Benzodiazepines on board prior. Dont give up asking questions guys.