More PSA levels

  I am 48 and I recently had a physical with a PSA test that read 6.8. My doctor said the DRE was normal.
  She's referred me to a urologist for further evaluation, and I'm wondering where things should go from here.
  Additional info: The physical was about 3 weeks after an acute case of prosatitis. A PSA test 2 years ago gave
  a 0.8 level. I also have 3 uncles who have been diagnosed with prostate CA.
                                                      Thanks,
                                                      Dave  
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Dear Dave,
PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) is an important tool used by urologists to detect prostate cancer. A PSA level of greater than 4.0ng/ml is associated with prostate cancer. Recently research efforts have been directed at assessing the rate of rise in PSA over time as well evaluation of free PSA. It is currently felt that a rise in PSA of greater than 0.75ng/dl in one year or a rise of greater than 20 % over 2 years is suspicious for cancer. There are several factors that can falsely elevate the PSA including  urinary tract infections, foley catheterizations, recent prostate biopsy ( less than 6 weeks ago) and a severely enlarged prostate. Prostate biopsy is performed when the PSA is greater than 4.0 ng/dl to evaluate for prostate cancer.
In your case  the rapid rise in your PSA may be a result of prostatitis (an infection of the prostate).You are young and apparently otherwise healthy. Early detection of a cancer would result in a very high chance of cure.  A biopsy  of the prostate  may be warranted if  repeat PSA