PSA levels: Can they rise after prostate removal?

Increased levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood can be a sign of prostate cancer. However, cancer is just one of several possible causes of increased PSA.

It's normal for prostate tissue to release small amounts of PSA into your bloodstream. When the prostate grows, PSA levels increase. When the prostate is removed, PSA levels fall close to zero. Many procedures for enlarged prostate remove only part of the prostate, which partially decreases PSA levels. After any of these enlarged prostate procedures, a number of things can cause PSA levels to go up again. They include:

• Prostate cancer. Prostate cancer cells in remaining prostate tissue or in other parts of your body can release PSA. Checking for signs of prostate cancer is the main reason men have PSA tests. Even if you've had your entire prostate removed, it's still possible to get prostate cancer.
• Recurrent prostate growth. Some prostate tissue remains even if your entire prostate is removed. This tissue may continue to grow, leading to increased PSA levels.
• Inflammation of prostate tissue (prostatitis). Infection or inflammation of the prostate gland or tissue remaining after prostate surgery can cause your PSA levels to increase. Once prostatitis is treated with antibiotics, PSA levels generally return to normal.
• Recent ejaculation. Ejaculation (orgasm) can cause a temporary increase in PSA levels. To get the most accurate reading, don't ejaculate for two days before you have a PSA test.

If you have elevated PSA levels after surgery for enlarged prostate, your doctor may recommend a wait-and-see approach — advising you to retake the PSA test after two or three months. If your doctor suspects prostatitis, you may be prescribed antibiotics to cure the infection. If a second test shows high PSA levels, your doctor may recommend additional tests, such as other blood tests, urine tests or ultrasounds tests. If cancer is suspected, you may need a biopsy to check remaining prostate tissue.