Is Total PSA 10.0 ng/ml dangerous?
In this article we discuss what a total PSA level of 10.0 means, together with its grading, causes, and whether it is good, bad or dangerous.
Published Date : 2024-02-03T14:02:06.297Z
Updated Date : 2024-02-03T14:02:06.297+00:00
Table of Contents
What is PSA?
How is PSA measured?
What is the normal range of PSA and how is a PSA of 10.0 graded?
Is a PSA of 10.0 dangerous?
What are the less dangerous causes of an elevated PSA level of 10.0?
Can A Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) tell you if a PSA of 10.0 is dangerous?
What was your previous PSA value?
With a PSA level of 10.0, what is your Prostate Volume?
What is your PSA density
Why do Free PSA levels matter with a total PSA of 10.0
Family History with a PSA Level of 10.0
References
What is PSA?
Think of Total PSA, or Total Prostate Specific Antigen, as a hormone released by the prostate gland into the bloodstream. Typically found in low amounts, higher levels could be an indicator of diseases, such as cancers.
How is PSA measured?
To measure PSA, a small blood sample is drawn using a syringe or needle, and it is then analyzed by automated analyzers in the laboratory. Different analyzers may produce slightly different results, as evidenced by a study showing higher values with the ECLIA technique compared to the CMIA technique, by an average of 0.8 ug/L. For accurate and consistent monitoring, it is advisable to stick with one laboratory and one measurement technique for tracking your PSA levels.
What is the normal range of PSA and how is a PSA of 10.0 graded?
Normal Ranges of Total PSA levels vary according to age and ethnicity. Various studies have found considerable variation in the normal range depending upon country and ethnicity.
Age Group | US Whites | Asians - Chinese | European - Spanish | Asians - Indians |
---|---|---|---|---|
Younger than 40 years | No data | No data | <1.4(Your value is 614% above normal) | <0.71(Your value is 1308% above normal) |
40-49 years | <2.1(Your value is 376% above normal) | <2.15(Your value is 365% above normal) | <1.7(Your value is 488% above normal) | <0.85(Your value is 1076% above normal) |
50-59 years | <3.6(Your value is 178% above normal) | <3.20(Your value is 213% above normal) | <3.3(Your value is 203% above normal) | <1.13(Your value is 785% above normal) |
60-69 years | <1.3(Your value is 669% above normal) | <4.10(Your value is 144% above normal) | <5.18(Your value is 93% above normal) | <1.45(Your value is 590% above normal) |
70-79 years | <5.8(Your value is 72% above normal) | <5.37(Your value is 86% above normal) | No Data | <1.84(Your value is 443% above normal) |
80 years and older | No data | No data | No data | <2.35(Your value is 326% above normal) |
Is a PSA of 10.0 dangerous?
A Total PSA level of 10.0 cannot be called 'good'. This is because values >= 4 have typically been designated as the cut-off for futher investigation, monitoring and in some cases - biopsy. Whether a value of 10.0 is to be considered worrying or dangerous depends on various factors as listed below.
What are the less dangerous causes of an elevated PSA level of 10.0?
Cancer is not the only cause of a raised PSA level. An elevated PSA can have various non-cancerous, and hence less dangerous causes. Each of these causes should be evaluated as well.
Ejaculation
PSA levels can rise after ejaculation.
Urinary Retention
Difficulty in emptying the bladder completely.
Catheterization
Use of a catheter for urinary issues.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Enlargement of the prostate gland.
Hormonal Changes
Fluctuations in hormones can influence PSA levels.
Medications
Certain medications, like finasteride or dutasteride, can affect PSA levels.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
Infections in the urinary system.
Inflammation in the Body
Systemic inflammation can affect PSA levels.
Digital Rectal Examination (DRE)
A recent prostate examination may cause a transient rise.
Non-Cancerous Prostate Tumors
Though not cancerous, these tumors can elevate PSA.
Dehydration
Can cause concentration changes in PSA levels.
Vigorous Exercise
Strenuous physical activity can elevate PSA temporarily.
Can A Digital Rectal Examination (DRE) tell you if a PSA of 10.0 is dangerous?
A digital rectal examination is a technique by which a doctor palpates your prostate gland with his/her fingers. Digital Rectal Examination is usually done when you have complaints of an enlarged prostate and its associated symptoms.
Is a digital rectal examination necessary for a PSA level of 10.0?
Any total PSA value above 4 usually warrants further investigation, and as such, your level of 10.0 should be accompanied by a DRE.
How is a Digital Rectal Examination Done?
During the digital rectal examination, the doctor will use a lubricated finger to check the prostate's condition by feeling for any abnormalities or changes in texture.
Is a Digital Rectal Examination painful?
In general, a digital rectal examination is considered to be a discomfort rather than a painful procedure.
How does the result of a Digital Rectal Examination affect danger with a total PSA of 10.0?
A digital rectal examination is usually done when investigating patients for prostate health. Research shows that a positive DRE - when the doctor can feel nodules or hardening of your prostate, is associated with a higher risk of cancer. The table below elucidates describes your risk for a PSA of 10.0
.
Digital Rectal Examination - Normal | Digital Rectal Examination - Suspicious/Abnormal |
---|---|
Your risk of cancer is 12% - 32% | Your risk of cancer is 42% - 72% |
What was your previous PSA value?
While deciding whether a PSA of 10.0 is dangerous, we need to track how fast it changes over time. An increase in PSA value of more than 20% over a period of 6 months to 2 years, is usually not a good sign.
Why is the change in PSA values over time important?
As per research, a fast increasing PSA values is more likely to be a fast growth, of some kind, which includes the possibility of cancer. Hence tracking the change in the value over time is important.
Over what period of time can the change be tracked?
In various studies, values upto 2 years ago were included while tracking the change in the value. So any previous value of PSA upto 2 years, ago, can be used to track the rate of change.
Should the two values be from the same laboratory?
PSA values can differ significantly depending on the method or technology used to measure them. It is absolutely essential to use the same lab and same method of measurement for serial measurements.
How much has your PSA level changed over time?
Based on research 2, the percentage change in your PSA value over time, has a direct bearing on the probability of cancer. If you have had your PSA done at any time in the past 2 years, the change in the value compared to today, can be very helpful in deciding what to do next. The table below assumes different values for your PSA level in the past and compares them with the present level.
Your previous PSA value | What it means |
---|---|
Your previous PSA level was Less than or equal to 8.0 | Higher risk of cancer - your PSA has increased by more than or equal to 20%, this is a bad prognostic indicator. |
Your previous PSA level was Greater than 8.0 | Lower risk of cancer - Your PSA has not increased by at least 20%, and this means it is not rapidly increasing, implying a good prognostic sign. |
Greater than or equal to current 10.0 | Good sign - your PSA is either stable or reducing. |
With a PSA level of 10.0, what is your Prostate Volume?
Prostate volume is measured by your radiologist using an Ultrasound scan or USG. It can also be measured by MRI. Prostate volume can be used to decide whether you are at a greater risk, in the presence of a PSA level of 10.0
Why does prostate volume matter with a PSA of 10.0?
Prostate volume increases in both bening and cancerous growths. The amount of growth differs. In cancers, contrary to what we might expect, the total volume is lower, than in benign conditions.
What is the volume of your prostate?
Prostate volume is usually measured using Ultrasound(USG) or MRI or both. The volume of the prostate is a useful indicator, to tell the difference between normal enlargement and a cancer. This is because, a lower prostate volume, with a higher value of PSA is more likely to harbour a cancer. The table below gives you a summary.
Risk of Cancer with different prostate volumes for PSA levels 10.0 ng/ml
Prostate Volume | Risk |
---|---|
3.3 - 24.5 ml | Highest Risk |
24.5 - 45.7 | Higher Risk |
45.7 mL - 58.2 ml | Hard to predict |
45.7ml - 66.9ml | Lower Risk |
66.9 - 81ml | Lower Risk |
>81ml | Lowest Risk |
What is your PSA density
PSA Density is basically your PSA level divided by your prostate volume. It has been proven to be useful in estimating risk associated with PSA levels above 4 ng/ml.
How is prostate density measured?
Prostate density needs both the volume and the level of PSA. So you will need a blood test to measure your PSA level and an ultrasound or MRI to measure the volume of your prostate.
Why does prostate density matter with a PSA of 10.0?
Prostate density attempts to combine the level of PSA and the size of the prostate to eliminate variables associated with both. The ratio can be used to predict prostate cancers.
Do you know your PSA Density?
The PSA density is a ratio calculated by dividing the PSA level by the volume of the prostate. It is often used to decide whether a patient with other suspicious findings should go ahead for a prostatic biopsy. A higher density has been associated with a higher risk of cancer. The table below depicts different PSA densities for your PSA level of 10.0.
Prostate Volume | PSA Density | Risk |
---|---|---|
20 | 0.5 | Higher Risk |
25 | 0.4 | Higher Risk |
30 | 0.3 | Higher Risk |
35 | 0.3 | Higher Risk |
40 | 0.3 | Higher Risk |
45 | 0.2 | Higher Risk |
50 | 0.2 | Higher Risk |
55 | 0.2 | Higher Risk |
60 | 0.2 | Higher Risk |
65 | 0.2 | Higher Risk |
70 | 0.1 | Lower Risk |
75 | 0.1 | Lower Risk |
80 | 0.1 | Lower Risk |
85 | 0.1 | Lower Risk |
90 | 0.1 | Lower Risk |
95 | 0.1 | Lower Risk |
100 | 0.1 | Lower Risk |
Why do Free PSA levels matter with a total PSA of 10.0
Free PSA is a component of the total PSA that has significance in predicting the risk of cancer.
How does free PSA differ from Total PSA?
Free PSA is expressed as a percentage of the total PSA, providing additional information for prostate cancer diagnosis.
How is free PSA measured?
Free PSA levels are assessed by analyzing the portion of Prostate-Specific Antigen that is not bound to proteins in the blood.
What was the result of your free PSA Level?
Free PSA is a subset of the total PSA measurement. It needs to be measured seperately, and is an independent test. The ratio of free PSA/ total PSA has been shown to help diagnose cancers. A low ratio, or lower percentage of free PSA is associated more commonly with cancers. As such, for values of total PSA between 4 and 10 , the %free PSA, may be useful in determining danger. The following table, estimates different values of %free PSA, for your value of total PSA of 10.0.
Free PSA | %Free PSA | Risk |
---|---|---|
0.7 | 7 | Higher Risk |
1.2 | 12 | Higher Risk |
1.6 | 16 | Higher Risk |
2.0 | 20 | Lower Risk |
2.5 | 25 | Lower Risk |
3.0 | 30 | Lower Risk |
Family History with a PSA Level of 10.0
Family history plays an important role in assesing the risk of cancern with PSA levels above 4.
Why is family history important while evaluating PSA?
There is evidence for genetic tendencies for prostate cancer.
Do you have any relatives with Prostate Cancer?
Irrespective of the value of Total PSA, men with at least one first-degree relative, who had prostate cancer, have a 10-15% higher chance of developing prostate cancer. Thus with a total PSA level of 10.0, knowing your family history could be useful.