PSA levels: Can they rise after prostate removal?

Surgical removal of the prostate is one treatment for noncancerous prostate gland enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH). In this procedure, the surgeon removes some — but not all — of the prostate. Subsequent regrowth of prostate tissue may cause an increase in PSA levels. In addition, elevated PSA levels can indicate:

• Inflammation of the prostate (prostatitis)
• Recurrent BPH
• Prostate cancer

Keep in mind that adult men with healthy prostates can also have higher-than-normal PSA levels. It is important that PSA levels be interpreted by a doctor experienced in prostate disease.