PSA COUNT INFORMATION

BOPPA
BOPPA Member Posts: 4
edited March 2014 in Prostate Cancer #1
I know that this is a survivors network, but I would appreciate any help anyone might give. My husband, over the past 1 1/2 yrs. has been sent to a Urologist for elevated PSA ( 3.5 then 4.5 then back to 3.5). He has been on medication for urine flow for about a year. Last month he had severe blood in the urnine. He had CT scan and cystoscopy. Results: enlarged prostate pressing on urethra. Suggestion: stronger medicine or clipping prostate from around urethra. He went back yesterday with the intention of having the surgery. Dr. told him PSA was elevated again - to 5.5 and did "yet" another PSA. He goes back in two weeks for result and Dr. indicated possible biopsy. I have been reading about PSA results and am totally confused. Does anyone have any information that might be helpful as to what we should/can ecpect. Sorry for the length of this post.

Comments

  • nutt
    nutt Member Posts: 140
    #2
    There are several things that can cause an eleveated psa.
    Your husband may be one of those that has a high psa as standard without consequence. My doctor indicated that there are medical minimums set but there are those that run high. Unless it TRENDS upward I was told not to worry.
    Infections, irritation of some sort I was told can also cause elevated psa. Has antibotics been considered?
    Ask your doctor what else could cause this and eliminate them one by one. I personally would have "snipping" or surgery as the last unless your doctor guarantes no adverse side effects.
    If, it is cancer, there are treatments that will give you a little time to research and make a decision on which procedure he wants/needs.
    If, it isn't cancer (has he had a biopsy?)
    Would the pressure cause irritation urinating and cause an infection that can be treated?
    My doctor was not so worried that my psa bounced around, rather, he would be concerned if it TRENDED up over a series of ie. 3 psa tests.
    Look for our more technical members to weigh in over the next few days.
    Joe
  • Benji48
    Benji48 Member Posts: 117
    #3
    I concur with "nutt" & would only suppliment it by saying that "clipping" probably refers to a T.U.R.P. operation or commonly referred to as a "roto-router" where they scrape away prostate tissue to alieviate the swelling problem & they usually "biopsy" the removed tissue for evidence of cancer cells.A biopsy by the way is the only "true" indicator if cancer is present & it too can produce "false negatives" which is to say they miss the cancer cells.PSA readings can fluctuate quite a bit & as Joe say's they are only "indicators" of a possible problem and as he mentions one should look for a steady "rise" over 3 readings.
    Hope this helps.What ever you do, do not panic. Prostate cancer is "usually" slow growing so take your time to weigh all the information available before making any decision.
    Good luck, Benji
  • BOPPA
    BOPPA Member Posts: 4
    #4
    Joe & Benji - Thanks for your response. The information is helpful to me. The "rotor router" is what the Dr. was talking about, I feel certain. As I said, he will not do that until this next test results (which I now know is a PSA Free & Total) are in.
    He has taken no antibiotics and the Dr. says there is no infections. Guess we will just have to wait and see.
    Again - thank you so much
  • skhill
    skhill Member Posts: 8
    #5
    Boppa,

    You should be able to search this site under PSA, prostate cancer, and needle biopsy and get more information. I also used Medline and the National Institutes of Health as online sources to learn more about prostate health. There is a book out that my urologist lent me (and my wife bought me a copy) when I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. The book is by Dr. Patrick Walsh from Johns Hopkin. I have lent my out. I believe the title is "Prostate Cancer" but am not sure. It is very readable.

    Finally, ask your husband's urologist. Go prepared with questions. Be specific. Make sure you get them answered. Ask for recommendations on resources.

    Hope this helps.

    skhill
  • tpelle
    tpelle Member Posts: 184
    #6
    skhill said:

    Boppa,

    You should be able to search this site under PSA, prostate cancer, and needle biopsy and get more information. I also used Medline and the National Institutes of Health as online sources to learn more about prostate health. There is a book out that my urologist lent me (and my wife bought me a copy) when I was diagnosed with prostate cancer. The book is by Dr. Patrick Walsh from Johns Hopkin. I have lent my out. I believe the title is "Prostate Cancer" but am not sure. It is very readable.

    Finally, ask your husband's urologist. Go prepared with questions. Be specific. Make sure you get them answered. Ask for recommendations on resources.

    Hope this helps.

    skhill

    SKHILL: You may be referring to Dr. Patrick Walsh's book "Guide to Surviving Prostate Cancer." Walsh's book provides what may be the best and most current published data on prostate health. It may help Boppa's husband evaluate his urologist's management of the condition.

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