Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test is commonly used to detect prostate cancer.

A rise in PSA levels can be a sign of prostate cancer, but it can also be caused by other factors such as a urinary tract infection or an enlarged prostate. In most cases, a biopsy is recommended to determine whether cancer is present. However, in some cases, the biopsy may be negative, but PSA levels continue to rise. This can be a cause for concern and may require further investigation.

In this article, we will discuss what to do if you have rising PSA levels after a negative prostate biopsy.

What is PSA?

Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by the prostate gland. It is normal for men to have some PSA in their blood, but high levels can be a sign of a problem, such as prostate cancer.

However, PSA levels can also be elevated due to other factors such as an enlarged prostate or a urinary tract infection.

What is a prostate biopsy?

A prostate biopsy is a procedure in which a small tissue sample is taken from the prostate gland and examined for the presence of cancer cells.

A biopsy is typically recommended when there is an elevation in PSA levels or an abnormal digital rectal exam (DRE).

What does a negative prostate biopsy mean?

A negative prostate biopsy means that cancer cells were not detected in the tissue sample taken from the prostate gland.

However, a negative biopsy does not completely rule out the possibility of cancer and does not necessarily mean that PSA levels will return to normal.

Why are PSA levels still rising after a negative biopsy?

PSA levels can continue to rise even if a biopsy is negative. There are several reasons why this may happen:.

The biopsy missed the cancerous cells
The cancer is outside the sampled area
The cancer is growing rapidly
There is inflammation or infection in the prostate gland
The patient has an enlarged prostate

It is important to note that a rising PSA level does not necessarily mean that cancer is present. However, a persistently elevated PSA level warrants further investigation.

What should I do if my PSA levels continue to rise after a negative biopsy?

If your PSA levels continue to rise after a negative biopsy, there are several options for further investigation:.

Repeat biopsy: A repeat biopsy may be recommended to determine whether cancer cells were missed or if new cancer has developed. The biopsy may be targeted to specific areas of the prostate gland, such as those where cancer was detected on an MRI.
MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can identify areas of the prostate gland that may be suspicious for cancer. If an MRI shows an area of concern, a biopsy may be targeted to that area.
Prostate cancer antigen 3 (PCA3) test: The PCA3 test is a urine test that measures the level of a gene that is overexpressed in prostate cancer cells. The test can help determine the likelihood of cancer in men with elevated PSA levels.
Prostate biopsy with a different technique: Prostate biopsies can be performed using different techniques such as transperineal, transrectal, or transurethral biopsy. A different technique may be recommended if the initial biopsy was not thorough enough or if cancer was missed.

When should I be concerned about rising PSA levels?

Rising PSA levels can be a sign of many different conditions, including prostate cancer, but it is not a definitive indicator of cancer. However, if your PSA levels have risen rapidly or significantly, it is important to speak with your doctor.

They may recommend further investigation, such as a repeat biopsy or an MRI.

Conclusion

PSA levels can continue to rise even after a negative prostate biopsy. While a rising PSA level does not necessarily mean that cancer is present, it warrants further investigation.

If your PSA levels continue to rise, speak with your doctor about the best course of action, which may include a repeat biopsy, an MRI, or a different biopsy technique.