Symptom guide · PSA

Raised PSA: private urology assessment in Yorkshire

Last updated: 9 June 2026 · Reviewed by Mr Sanjay Rajpal, Consultant Urological Surgeon · GMC 6106646

A raised PSA does not automatically mean prostate cancer, but it should be interpreted carefully. PSA can rise because of prostate enlargement, inflammation, infection, recent ejaculation, cycling, procedures or cancer. The value is most useful when read alongside age, symptoms, examination and imaging.

Key point: a raised PSA is a reason for clear risk assessment, not panic. The next step may be repeat testing, prostate examination, MRI, biopsy discussion or monitoring.

What PSA is

PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen. It is a protein made by the prostate and measured with a blood test. PSA can be useful, but it is not a perfect cancer test. Some men with prostate cancer have only a modest PSA rise, and many men with raised PSA do not have cancer.

What affects interpretation

Age and prostate size.
Urinary infection or prostatitis.
Recent catheter, cystoscopy or prostate manipulation.
Family history and ethnicity.
Lower urinary tract symptoms or blood in the urine.
Previous PSA pattern over time.

Private assessment pathway

Mr Rajpal will review the PSA history, symptoms, medication, family history and any previous scans. Depending on the situation, assessment may include repeat PSA, urine testing, prostate examination, multiparametric MRI and, if needed, discussion of prostate biopsy. The aim is to find important disease while avoiding unnecessary procedures where the risk is low.

Before repeating a PSA

Sometimes a repeat PSA is sensible before moving to further tests, but timing matters. Infection, recent catheterisation, urinary retention, ejaculation, vigorous cycling or recent prostate procedures can affect the result. The decision to repeat or investigate immediately depends on the level, age, symptoms, examination findings and risk factors.

Questions to ask

Useful questions include: is my PSA high for my age, has it changed quickly, could prostate size explain it, do I need MRI, and what would a biopsy add? A good consultation should explain the trade-off between finding significant cancer early and avoiding unnecessary tests for low-risk findings.

When to seek prompt advice

Seek prompt assessment if PSA is above the expected range for age, rising quickly, associated with abnormal examination, or accompanied by concerning symptoms such as bone pain, weight loss, visible blood in urine or new severe urinary difficulty.

Clinics

Consultations are available at Spire Leeds Hospital and The Yorkshire Clinic. Bring the PSA number, date of test, any previous PSA values, urine results, medication list and GP letter if available.