PSA Density Calculator
This PSA density calculator is an easy tool that enables you to evaluate your PSA density – a crucial indicator of prostate cancer in patients with a mildly elevated PSA. To determine the density of PSA, you will need your PSA result and the volume of your prostate or its dimensions.
Do not hesitate to check out our other health calculators, including the body fat calculator and the lung cancer risk calculator.
We try our best to make our Omni Calculators as precise and reliable as possible. However, this tool can never replace a professional doctor's assessment. If any health condition bothers you, consult a physician.
Prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia
The prostate is an exocrine gland in the male reproductive system. Its function is to produce and secrete an alkaline fluid, an essential part of semen. Pathological changes in the prostate may be a source of several health-related problems, out of which the most common ones are benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer.
In benign prostatic hyperplasia, the prostate often enlarges (in a benign way) to the point where urination becomes difficult. Symptoms include needing to urinate often (frequency) or taking a while to get started (hesitancy). Treatment involves lifestyle changes, medications, minimally invasive procedures, or even surgeries removing the prostate.
Prostate cancer is a life-threatening disease, one of the most common cancers worldwide and the second most common cancerous cause of death in men. It usually develops without symptoms or with symptoms similar to BPH (frequency, hesitancy). The diagnosis is made based on the results of a prostate biopsy. The treatment is based on the surgical approach (radical prostatectomy) or radiotherapy. Additionally, hormone therapy and chemotherapy are used.
It's also worth mentioning that those two diseases — prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia — may coexist in one patient.
What is PSA?
PSA or prostate-specific-antigen is an enzyme present in small quantities in the serum of men with healthy prostates. Its concentration is usually elevated in cases of prostate cancer, but it may also mean prostatitis or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH for short).
The discovery of PSA and its introduction into clinical practices revolutionized the detection and monitoring of patients with prostate cancer. Elevated PSA is an indicator that a doctor should perform a prostate biopsy. However, among patients with a so-called "mildly elevated PSA", it is very probable that BPH, not prostate cancer, caused the elevation.
PSA density is a parameter that may help to differentiate between prostate cancer and BPH in patients with mildly elevated PSA. Read on to get to know how to calculate PSA density!
PSA density calculator
The PSA density calculator enables you to estimate your PSA density. To do this, all you need to know is the following:
- Your PSA result.
- The volume of your prostate, from either:
- mpMRI (multi-parametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging); or
- TRUS (transrectal ultrasound).
The PSA Density is calculated using the formula below:
Prostate size calculator
If you don't know the volume of your prostate, you can use our calculator as a prostate size calculator or a prostate volume calculator. To estimate the volume of your prostate simply fill in its length, width, and height.
The formula to estimate prostate volume is as follows:
where:
- – Length of the prostate;
- – Width; and
- – Height of the prostate.
How to calculate PSA density and its meaning
So, if you want to calculate PSA density, simply fill in the data you have:
- Prostate size or length, width, and height; and
- PSA result.
And you've got your result! But what exactly does it tell you? Generally, a PSA density result of 0.15 or higher means that there is a suspicion of prostate cancer. In such a situation, it is essential you go to a urologist, who will decide whether or not a prostate biopsy needs to be performed. On the other hand, you need to remember that a result of less than 0.15 does not exclude prostate cancer!
If you liked this calculator, check out our other health-related calculators, such as the mean arterial pressure calculator or the macro calculator.
How do I calculate PSA density?
To calculate PSA density, you can follow these steps:
- Take your PSA result.
- Divide it by the prostate volume, determined by either multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging or transrectal ultrasound.
- That's all! You have now determined PSA density.
Is the PSA density of 0.03 a good result?
Typically, lower PSA density outcomes are linked to reduced risks of prostate problems, such as cancer. Therefore, 0.03 ng/mL2 could be a favorable result. Regardless, it's essential to recognize that PSA density can fluctuate due to age, general well-being, and individual circumstances. Hence, it is necessary to consult with a medical professional.
How do I calculate the prostate volume?
To calculate the volume of the prostate, follow these steps:
- Multiply the length of the prostate by its width.
- Multiply the result from step 1 by the prostate's height.
- Multiply the previous result by the mathematical constant π (pi), approximately 3.14159.
- Divide the entire value by 6.
- That's all! You have now successfully determined the prostate volume.
Can PSA density results exclude prostate cancer?
While a reading of 0.15 ng/mL2 or higher may raise concerns about prostate cancer, any result below this value doesn't guarantee that cancer is not present. It is crucial to consult with a medical professional and undergo further evaluation.
What is my PSA density if my prostate volume is 23.5 ml?
Assuming that your PSA value is 0.7 ng/mL,, then your PSA density is 0.03, which is generally considered a favorable result and is not typically associated with a high risk of prostate cancer.