For most men, a PSA test feels routine. A simple blood draw. A number on a lab report.
But when that number comes back higher than expected, everything changes.
Suddenly, questions pile up.
- What is PSA Test?
- Is cancer likely?
- How high is “too high”?
- And how do you know when it’s time to act versus time to watch?
Understanding PSA levels is one of the most important — and misunderstood — parts of prostate cancer care. And it’s something Dr. David Samadi has spent decades helping patients navigate clearly, without panic or guesswork.
What PSA Really Measures (And What It Doesn’t)
PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen. It’s a protein made by prostate tissue and released into the bloodstream. Most men have some PSA in their blood — even perfectly healthy men.
A higher PSA does not automatically mean cancer.
PSA can rise for many reasons:
- Prostate enlargement (BPH)
- Prostate inflammation or infection
- Recent ejaculation
- Medical procedures
- Age-related changes
This is where men often get misled. PSA is a signal, not a diagnosis. The problem isn’t the number itself — it’s how the number is interpreted.
This is where experience matters.
What’s Considered a “Normal” PSA?
There isn’t one single cutoff that applies to every man. PSA must always be interpreted in context — age, prostate size, trends over time, and symptoms all matter.
In general:
- PSA under 4.0 is often considered low risk
- PSA between 4.0–10.0 is a gray zone
- PSA above 10 raises stronger concern
But Dr. Samadi regularly sees men with Normal PSA levels who still have aggressive cancer — and men with elevated PSA who do not.
That’s why PSA velocity (how fast it rises), PSA density, and clinical judgment matter just as much as the number itself.
When a PSA Reading Becomes Concerning
In Dr. Samadi’s practice, the red flags are rarely just one number. It’s patterns.
Things that prompt closer evaluation include:
- PSA rising steadily year over year
- Sudden spikes without explanation
- PSA that doesn’t fall after treating infection
- Elevated PSA combined with urinary symptoms
- Strong family history of prostate cancer
This is where many men go wrong — either ignoring PSA changes for too long, or being rushed into unnecessary procedures without a clear plan.
Dr. Samadi’s approach has always focused on precision over panic.
What Happens After an Abnormal PSA?
An elevated PSA doesn’t mean immediate surgery. It means next steps done thoughtfully.
Depending on the situation, that may include:
- Repeat PSA testing
- Advanced imaging
- MRI-guided evaluation
- Targeted biopsy when appropriate
Dr. Samadi has been at the forefront of prostate cancer surgery and diagnostic decision-making for decades. The surgical principles behind modern robotic prostate surgery were established long before today’s technology — and Dr. Samadi has been refining those techniques ever since.
That historical foundation matters. It’s what separates trend-driven care from experience-driven care.
Why Dr. Samadi’s Perspective Is Different
Dr. David Samadi is not just a prostate cancer surgeon — he is a world-renowned authority in the field.
- Decades of experience in prostate cancer surgery
- Pioneer of advanced robotic prostatectomy techniques
- Developer of refined nerve-sparing approaches
- Featured expert on Fox News and Newsmax
- Recognized Key Opinion Leader in men’s health
He is frequently consulted not just by patients, but by media and medical peers because of his ability to explain complex decisions clearly and responsibly.
When Dr. Samadi evaluates a PSA result, it’s not a checklist. It’s a judgment built on thousands of cases and years of outcomes.
PSA Is Only One Piece of the Puzzle
One of the most important things Dr. Samadi emphasizes is this:
- PSA should never be viewed in isolation.
- The real question isn’t “What is your PSA?”
- It’s “What does your PSA mean for you?”
That distinction is what prevents overtreatment on one end — and delayed diagnosis on the other.
Frequently Asked Questions
What PSA level means cancer is present?
There is no PSA level that guarantees cancer. Some men with low PSA have cancer, and some with high PSA do not. Context and follow-up testing matter.
Can PSA go up without cancer?
Yes. Infection, inflammation, and benign prostate growth are common causes.
How often should PSA be checked?
That depends on age, family history, and prior results. Dr. Samadi individualizes screening schedules.
Does a rising PSA always require a biopsy?
No. Additional imaging or repeat testing may be appropriate before biopsy.
If cancer is found, does PSA predict outcomes?
PSA helps guide risk assessment, but treatment decisions depend on cancer grade, stage, and patient priorities.
When to Seek Expert Evaluation
If your PSA is rising, unclear, or simply worrying you — that alone is reason enough to seek a specialist opinion.
The goal isn’t to rush decisions.
It’s to make the right decision at the right time, with full understanding.
Contact Dr. David Samadi
If you have questions about your PSA level mean prostate cancer risk, a consultation with Dr. Samadi provides clarity — not pressure.
Website: https://roboticoncology.com
Address: 485 Madison Avenue, 21st Floor, New York, NY 10022
Phone: 212-365-5000
212-365-5000