Do high PSA and frequent urination impact prostate health?

Question

Hello doctor,

My urologist suspects prostate cancer because of my elevated PSA levels and urinary urgency. I am 63 years old. Are these symptoms more commonly associated with cancer or benign conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)? What is the likelihood that a biopsy will confirm cancer? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern.

You mentioned that your urologist suspects prostate cancer (a type of cancer that begins in the prostate, a small walnut-shaped gland in men that produces seminal fluid) based on your elevated PSA (prostate-specific antigen) levels and urinary urgency. Here is some information to help clarify:

Elevated PSA and urinary urgency

PSA is a protein produced by the prostate. While an elevated PSA can be a sign of prostate cancer, it is not specific to cancer alone. PSA levels can also increase in conditions like benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate, or prostatitis, which is inflammation or infection of the prostate. Urinary urgency, the need to urinate frequently and urgently, can occur in both cancer and benign conditions like BPH.

Are these symptoms more common in cancer or BPH?

Both prostate cancer and BPH can lead to elevated PSA levels, but urinary urgency is more commonly associated with BPH. BPH tends to cause symptoms related to urinary function more often than prostate cancer.

What is the likelihood of a biopsy confirming cancer?

A biopsy is the most accurate method to determine if prostate cancer is present. During the biopsy, a small tissue sample is taken from the prostate for testing, and it will confirm if cancer cells are present or not.

I hope this helps.

Please revert so I can assist you further.

Thank you.