1Prostate

Prostate health

The PSA Interpretation Pathway

Open full-size illustration ↗

The PSA Interpretation Pathway
The PSA Interpretation Pathway. PSA begins a risk assessment; it does not by itself establish whether cancer is present or whether biopsy is necessary.
Open full-size illustration ↗
About this illustration

The PSA Interpretation Pathway. Interpret the pattern—not one red number. Labels: BPH; Inflammation/infection; Retention/instrumentation; Medication effects; New or changing PSA; Confirm context and repeat when appropriate; Review age, health, family/genetic risk and prior values; Account for prostate volume and calculate PSA density when available; PSA / Volume = PSA Density; Use validated risk tools, biomarkers, examination and/or MRI selectively; Shared decision: monitor, investigate further, or biopsy.