Which condition is indicated if PSA levels are between 4 and 10 ng/ml?

A PSA (prostate-specific antigen) level between 4 and 10 ng/ml is often associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is a common condition in aging men where the prostate gland becomes enlarged, leading to urinary symptoms. While elevated PSA levels can be a concern, values in this range are more typically indicative of non-cancerous conditions, particularly BPH, rather than prostate cancer.

Though prostate cancer can cause elevated PSA levels, levels below 10 ng/ml do not confirm the presence of cancer; further testing is usually recommended to determine the cause of the elevation. Prostatitis, an inflammation of the prostate, can also cause increased PSA levels, but it is commonly associated with levels higher than 4 ng/ml due to the acute inflammatory process. Normal prostate function is typically associated with PSA levels below 4 ng/ml. Thus, when interpreting a PSA level within 4 to 10 ng/ml, BPH is the most likely condition that would explain that range.