High PSA
A high PSA is a finding, not a diagnosis.
An elevated PSA can come from prostate cancer, and it can also come from ordinary enlargement or inflammation. Our urologists at the Alpharetta / Roswell office review what your result does and does not mean before anyone talks about a biopsy.
What does a high PSA mean?
PSA is a blood test used to look at the prostate. A higher number can come from prostate cancer, ordinary enlargement, inflammation, age, medicines such as finasteride, a recent urinary infection or a recent procedure. The visit is a conversation about that whole picture, not a single cutoff, and the number is a starting point rather than a diagnosis on its own.
Is a high PSA the same as prostate cancer?
No. A high or rising PSA is a reason to look more carefully, not a cancer diagnosis. Many men with an elevated result do not have cancer, and some men with cancer have had a modest change in the number. Our urologists at the Alpharetta / Roswell office review what your result does and does not mean before anyone talks about a biopsy; if you are already facing a diagnosis, prostate cancer care at this office is the page that follows.
Why might the test be repeated?
A repeat PSA is often the first practical step when the result is new, when a medicine or a recent infection may have influenced it, or when a trend would be more useful than a single reading. Bring the actual lab printouts, including dates and the laboratory’s reference range. Our team can also draw blood in this building when a repeat test belongs in the plan.
When is an MRI used?
When the history, the exam and the PSA trend suggest that a clearer picture of the prostate would change the plan, our urologists may recommend an MRI. The images can show whether there is an area that deserves attention, and they can help guide a biopsy if one is later advised. An MRI is not automatic after every elevated result, and it is not a substitute for a visit. Our urologists will explain why they are recommending it, or why they are not, in your case.
What is a prostate biopsy like?
A biopsy samples prostate tissue so a pathologist can look at it, and an MRI-fusion prostate biopsy is one of the approaches used at Advanced Urology. You will get written instructions for the day, including antibiotics if they are part of the plan, and whether you should arrange a driver; spotting of blood in the urine, stool or semen can occur afterward and is discussed in advance. Fever, inability to urinate or heavy bleeding after a biopsy is a reason to go to an emergency room, and results are reviewed with you at a follow-up.
When should I see a urologist about a PSA result?
If a PSA has been called elevated, or it has been rising on repeat tests, it is reasonable to come in; you do not need to have already been told to have a biopsy. Adults from Alpharetta, Roswell, Milton, Crabapple and Mountain Park are seen at 11660 Alpharetta Hwy Ste 700, Roswell. Fever, inability to urinate or heavy blood in the urine should be evaluated in an emergency room rather than held for a routine visit.
What if I want a second opinion?
That is welcome. Bring the pathology, the PSA history and any MRI, not a summary alone, so the opinion is based on the same material. Second-opinion visits are booked like other appointments at this office; what to bring has a practical checklist, and we do not list self-pay prices on this site.
Our team at the Alpharetta / Roswell office
Dr. Rut Patel, MD, Director of Robotic Surgery
Physician assistant Anna McMaster, PA-C
Physician assistant Alysha Naran, PA-C
Physician assistant Austin Durden, PA-C
Physician assistant Payton Eason, PA-C
Family nurse practitioner Zohra Sayani, FNP
Our urologists — Dr. Herman Bagga, Dr. Rut Patel, Advanced Urology’s Director of Robotic Surgery, and Dr. Kushan Radadia — see adults from Alpharetta, Roswell, Milton, Crabapple and Mountain Park at 11660 Alpharetta Hwy Ste 700, Roswell, GA 30076. Physician assistants Anna McMaster, Alysha Naran, Austin Durden and Payton Eason, and family nurse practitioner Zohra Sayani, work beside them. Meet the full team.
Communities we see at this office
You are seen at our Alpharetta / Roswell Clinic & Surgery Center, whether you are coming from Roswell, Milton, Crabapple or Mountain Park, or from Alpharetta itself. Our office page has the address, parking and how the clinic and surgery center share this building. All areas we serve.
Related video
Official Advanced Urology videos on elevated PSA and what a prostate biopsy involves:
Related: prostate cancer care · enlarged prostate questions · our office · prostate cancer at Advanced Urology
For education, not medical advice. Every treatment has risks and benefits. Emergency? Call 911 or go to an emergency room.
Whenever you’re ready, our Alpharetta / Roswell team would be glad to hear from you.