What causes PSA levels to increase after prostate removal due to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?
Increased levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood can be a sign of prostate cancer. However, cancer is just one of several possible causes of increased PSA. It’s normal for prostate tissue to release small amounts of PSA into your bloodstream. When the prostate grows, PSA levels increase. When the prostate is removed, PSA levels fall close to zero. Many procedures for enlarged prostate remove only part of the prostate, which partially decreases PSA levels. After any of these enlarged prostate procedures, a number of things can cause PSA levels to go up again. They include: • Prostate cancer. Prostate cancer cells in remaining prostate tissue or in other parts of your body can release PSA. Checking for signs of prostate cancer is the main reason men have PSA tests. Even if you’ve had your entire prostate removed, it’s still possible to get prostate cancer. • Recurrent prostate growth. Some prostate tissue remains even if your entire prostate is removed. This tissue may c
