PSA Tests: What Do the Results Really Mean?
By Dr. Anup Ramani
Preface:
The PSA test is often the first step in identifying potential prostate issues, including cancer. Yet for many men, the numbers can be confusing and sometimes alarming. With advanced prostate care services – including PSA test interpretation, prostate cancer surgery in Mumbai, and robotic prostatectomy in India—patients can now access accurate diagnostics and world-class care. This article answers the most common questions about PSA tests and helps decode what your results really mean.
What exactly is a PSA test and why is it done?
The PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) test measures the level of PSA in a man’s blood. PSA is a protein produced by both normal and cancerous cells of the prostate gland. High levels can signal various conditions, including prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or prostatitis. It’s a widely used screening tool recommended by doctors across India, especially in major cities offering advanced prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment options.
What PSA levels are considered normal?
Generally, a PSA level under 4.0 ng/mL is considered normal. However, “normal” ranges vary based on age and individual risk factors. Some men with levels below 4.0 may still have cancer, while others with higher levels may not. This is why consultation with prostate cancer specialists in India is crucial for proper interpretation.
Does a high PSA level always mean prostate cancer?
Not at all. Elevated PSA levels can be caused by non-cancerous conditions, such as BPH or urinary tract infections. Even sexual activity or recent prostate procedures can affect results. Only a biopsy or further imaging can confirm cancer. In India, centers offering robotic surgery for prostate cancer treatment often use PSA as a first filter, not a final diagnosis.
What is PSA velocity and why does it matter?
PSA velocity refers to the rate of change in your PSA levels over time. A sharp increase may indicate a higher risk of prostate cancer, even if the absolute PSA level is within the normal range. Regular testing and monitoring are recommended for men at higher risk, especially those seeking preventive care in Mumbai or other metro cities.
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How accurate is the PSA test in detecting prostate cancer?
PSA testing has its limitations. It can produce false positives and false negatives, leading to unnecessary biopsies or missed diagnoses. That’s why leading clinics in India combine PSA results with digital rectal exams (DRE), MRI imaging, and sometimes genomic tests to arrive at a more accurate diagnosis.
When should I get a PSA test done?
Men over 50, or over 45 with a family history of prostate cancer, are generally advised to begin PSA screening. In India, patients with urinary symptoms or a history of enlarged prostate may also be advised to get tested earlier. Early detection, particularly before symptoms arise, improves outcomes for those needing prostate cancer surgery in India.
How is PSA used after prostate cancer treatment?
After procedures like robotic radical prostatectomy, PSA levels should drop to undetectable levels. Any measurable rise may suggest a recurrence. In such cases, further tests and treatment plans are discussed, often including minimal invasive radical prostatectomy or radiation.
What are free PSA and total PSA, and why are they important?
Free PSA refers to PSA that is not bound to proteins in the blood, while total PSA includes both bound and free forms. A low percentage of free PSA is more suggestive of cancer. These values are especially helpful when total PSA is in the “gray zone” (4–10 ng/mL). Many Indian hospitals offer detailed PSA profiling for more accurate assessment.
What should I avoid before a PSA test to ensure accuracy?
To avoid misleading results:
- Avoid ejaculation for 48 hours
- Postpone testing after recent prostate exams or infections
- Inform your doctor about any medications
Following these steps ensures reliable data, especially if you’re consulting top prostate cancer doctors in Mumbai or any specialized center.
How do Indian healthcare providers support accurate PSA interpretation?
Leading hospitals across India now offer AI-integrated diagnostic tools, advanced pathology labs, and expert urologists to ensure accurate diagnosis. From robotic prostatectomy in India to non-invasive monitoring for high-risk patients, India provides world-class care with affordable options—making it a preferred destination for prostate health services.
Conclusion
PSA tests are an essential yet sometimes misunderstood tool in prostate health. While they don’t offer a definitive diagnosis, they do serve as a crucial early warning system. With access to some of the best prostate cancer doctors in India, advanced robotic surgery options, and thorough diagnostic evaluations, Indian healthcare providers help patients interpret PSA results with clarity and confidence. If you’re unsure about your PSA reading, consult a specialist—not search engines—for peace of mind.
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Uro-Oncologist in India,
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Best Robotic Surgeon for Uro Oncology Surgery
1407, One Lodha Place Next to World Towers Senapati Bapat Marg, Worli, Mumbai. 400013.
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PARTIAL PENECTOMY
- Partial penectomy is done in cases where glans and distal penis is involved with carcinoma.
- Partial penectomy is a type of organ-preserving surgery. Preservation of sexual and micturational function depends on the surgical dissection and reconstruction of residual urethra.
Kidney Stone Removal
- Patients who develop stones in the kidney or ureter, often experience severe pain.
- This condition usually needs a procedure to remove the kidney stones.
- This procedure is called ureteroscopy and is performed very commonly.
- It does not require any cuts and hence it is painless.
- The procedure is performed with an endoscope inserted through the penis under spinal anesthesia.
- The scope is inserted through the penis into the kidney and stones are dissolved with a laser.
- The procedure takes about 40-50 minutes.
- A catheter (urine pipe) is kept after the procedure to drain the bladder. A stent is kept in the kidney at the same time.
- Patient is mobile and walking in the room the same evening.
- Hospital stay is one night and patient is discharged the next day after removal of the catheter.
- Patient has to come back after six weeks to remove the stent in the kidney.
- Patients can resume office a week after surgery and heavy activities like running, weight lifting, a month after the procedure.
- We offer fixed packages for this procedure which can be obtained by calling our helpline +91 9967666060.
- Men with an enlarged prostate, which is a normal ageing changes, often experiencing difficulty passing urine. This condition usually needs a procedure to trim the prostate and relieve the blockage.
- This procedure is called TURP and is performed very commonly.
- It does not require any cuts and hence it is painless.
- The procedure is performed with an endoscope inserted through the penis under spinal anaesthesia.
- The overgrown prostate is dissolved with a laser bloodlessly.
- The procedure takes about 40 minutes.
- A catheter (urine pipe) is kept after the procedure to drain the bladder.
- Patient is mobile and walking in the room the same evening.
- Hospital stay is two nights and patient is discharged with the catheter, which is removed after 4 days.
- Patients can resume office a week after surgery and heavy activities like running, weight lifting, a month after the procedure.
- We offer fixed packages for this procedure which can be obtained by calling our helpline +91 9967666060.
ROBOTIC ADRENALECTOMY FOR ADRENAL GLAND TUMOUR
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Robotic adrenalectomy is a sophisticated, complex surgery and it is very important that an experienced surgeon performs this surgery to avoid major complications.
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Once the anesthesia is done, and patient positioned, three micro cuts (3mm each) are made in the patient’s abdomen.
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The arms of the Da Vinci robot are connected to the cuts via ports (tubes).
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Dr. Ramani then sits in the controlling console to perform the surgery.
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On an average, a robotic adrenalectomy takes one hour.
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The surgery is almost completely bloodless and there has never been any need to transfuse blood after surgery.
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A urine catheter and bag to drain the bladder is inserted during surgery.
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A tiny drain pipe may be inserted in the surgical side of the abdomen, connected to a bag.
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Patient is kept nil-by-mouth the day of the surgery, with IV fluids. Sips of water are started the next day and solid food by day three.
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The drain pipe, if kept, is removed in the room on day 2 after surgery.
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The catheter is removed on day two after surgery.
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Total hospital stay for robotic adrenalectomy is 4 nights (including night before surgery).
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Post discharge, a doctor from the surgical team visits the patient at home/ hotel room once every day.
RETURN TO ACTIVITY
On the day of discharge, patient is totally self-sufficient. They are able to walk freely without any pain, dress themselves, shower, toilet and they do not need to hire any nurse or help at home. Almost all patients are back to work within 2 weeks of surgery.
Heavy activities like running, weight lifting can be resumed after a month
FOLLOW UP AFTER SURGERY
Follow up after an adrenalectomy is in the form of CT scans, once a year for 5 years.
Local patients usually meet Dr. Ramani after two weeks to discuss report.Outstation patients are counselled on a phone consultation.
ROBOTIC SURGERY FOR BLADDER CANCER
- Dr. Ramani is one of the very few surgeons in India who has the expertise to perform a robotic surgery for bladder cancer, which includes removing the urinary bladder and reconstructing a new bladder robotically.
- Robotic radical cystectomy is an extremely sophisticated, complex surgery and it is very important that an experienced surgeon performs this surgery to avoid major complications.
- Once the anaesthesia is done, and patient positioned, six micro cuts (3mm each) are made in the patient’s abdomen.
- The arms of the Da Vinci robot are connected to the cuts via ports (tubes).
- Dr. Ramani then sits in the controlling console to perform the surgery.
- On an average, a robotic radical cystectomy with an ileal conduit takes 3-4 hours.
- The surgery is almost completely bloodless and there has never been any need to transfuse blood after surgery.
- A urine catheter and bag to drain the new bladder is inserted during surgery.
- Two tiny drain pipe in inserted in the surgical side of the abdomen, connected to a bag.
- Patient is kept nil-by-mouth for 4 days after surgery with IV supplementation of patient’s daily requirements of calories, fats, carbohydrates, proteins and electrolytes.
- The drain pipes are removed in the room on day 3-5 after surgery.
- Total hospital stay for radical cystectomy is 8 nights (including night before surgery).
- Post discharge, a doctor from the surgical team visits the patient at home/ hotel room once every day.
RETURN TO ACTIVITY
- On the day of discharge, patient is totally self-sufficient. They are able to walk freely without any pain, dress themselves, shower, toilet and they do not need to hire any nurse or help at home.
- Almost all patients are back to work within 6 weeks of surgery. Heavy activities like running, weight lifting can be resumed after two months.
FOLLOW UP AFTER SURGERY
Follow up after a radical a cystectomy is in the form of CT scans, once a year for 5 years.
Histopathology report: Local patients usually meet Dr. Ramani after two weeks to discuss report.
Outstation patients are counselled on a phone consult. Depending on the report, patient may or may not need chemotherapy after surgery.
If chemo is needed, patients may choose to get it done with a medical oncologist of their choice or avail the services of one of the four medical oncologists on our team.
ROBOTIC RADICAL/PARTIAL NEPHRECTOMY FOR KIDNEY CANCER
- Robotic partial nephrectomy is a sophisticated, complex surgery and it is very important that an experienced surgeon performs this surgery to avoid major complications. Robotic radical (total) nephrectomy is
- relatively easier but still requires significant experience to consistently deliver results.
- Once the anaesthesia is done, and patient positioned, five micro cuts (3mm each) are made in the patient’s abdomen.
- The arms of the Da Vinci robot are connected to the cuts via ports (tubes).
- Dr. Ramani then sits in the controlling console to perform the surgery.
- On an average, a robotic radical nephrectomy takes one hour and a robotic partial nephrectomy takes about an hour and half.
- The surgery is almost completely bloodless and there has never been any need to transfuse blood after surgery.
- A urine catheter and bag to drain the bladder is inserted during surgery.
- A tiny drain pipe in inserted in the surgical side of the abdomen, connected to a bag.
- Patient is kept nil-by-mouth the day of the surgery, with IV fluids. Sips of water are started the next day and solid food by day three.
- The drain pipe is removed in the room on day 3 after surgery. The catheter is removed on day two after surgery.
- Total hospital stay for radical/partial nephrectomy is 4 nights (including night before surgery).
- Post discharge, a doctor from the surgical team visits the patient at home/ hotel room once every day.
RETURN TO ACTIVITY
- On the day of discharge, patient is totally self- sufficient.
- They are able to walk freely without any pain, dress themselves, shower, toilet and they do not need to hire any nurse or help at home.
- Almost all patients are back to work within 2-3 weeks of surgery.
- Heavy activities like running, weight lifting can be resumed after a month.
FOLLOW UP AFTER SURGERY
- Follow up after a radical/partial Nephrectomy is in the form of CT scans, once a year for 5 years.
- Local patients usually meet Dr. Ramani after two weeks to discuss report.
- Outstation patients are counselled on a phone consultation.