Does having a higher prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level mean a worse prostate cancer prognosis?

Answer From Patricio C. Gargollo, M.D.

Yes. In general, a higher PSA level means a poorer prostate cancer prognosis.

PSA is a protein made by cells in the prostate. When cancer cells form in the prostate, they tend to make a lot of PSA. Having prostate cancer often causes high levels of PSA in the blood.

When you're diagnosed with prostate cancer, your PSA level gives your health care provider important information. Your PSA level helps your provider decide how likely it is that the cancer has spread beyond the prostate. It also helps your provider decide how likely it is that your cancer will be cured with treatment. Other clues about your prognosis come from your cancer's stage, grade and Gleason score.

If you have prostate cancer and you're worried about your prognosis, talk with your provider.

With

Patricio C. Gargollo, M.D.

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Dec. 21, 2022 See more Expert Answers

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  2. Active surveillance for prostate cancer
  3. Biopsy procedures
  4. Blood in semen
  5. Blood in urine (hematuria)
  6. Bone scan
  7. Brachytherapy
  8. Cancer blood tests
  9. Cancer survivorship program
  10. Chemo targets
  11. Chemotherapy
  12. Chemotherapy and hair loss: What to expect during treatment
  13. Chemotherapy and sex: Is sexual activity OK during treatment?
  14. Chemotherapy nausea and vomiting: Prevention is best defense
  15. Choline C-11 PET scan
  16. Cryoablation for cancer
  17. CT scan
  18. Digital rectal exam
  19. External beam radiation for prostate cancer
  20. Frequent sex: Does it protect against prostate cancer?
  21. Leg swelling
  22. Magic mouthwash
  23. MRI
  24. PALS (Pets Are Loving Support)
  25. Pelvic pain
  26. Prostate artery embolization
  27. Prostate biopsy
  28. Prostate cancer
  29. Prostate Cancer
  30. What is prostate cancer? A Mayo Clinic expert explains
  31. Prostate cancer metastasis: Where does prostate cancer spread?
  32. Prostate cancer prevention
  33. Prostate cancer FAQs
  34. Prostate cancer screening
  35. Prostatectomy
  36. Proton beam therapy
  37. Proton therapy
  38. PSA test
  39. PSA: To Test or Not To Test
  40. Radiation therapy
  41. Seeing inside the heart with MRI
  42. Symptom Checker
  43. Ultrasound
  44. Ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy
  45. MRI
  46. Orchestrating Care (and robotic surgery) for Prostate Cancer - Mayo Clinic