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Anyone ever hear of anything like this? 12 years of rising PSA, 7 negative biopsies, psa now 16+

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Posted 6/10/2008 3:34 PM (GMT 0)
I recently hooked up with an old friend from years back (now age 60) who told me that since 1996, when his first PSA test came back at 6, he has had seven biopsies – all negative.   The last biopsy was a week ago (again negative) and he’s now walking around with a PSA of over 16.   He’s never had a symptom.   One thing he did say (upon my asking him) was that no doctor over the years has ever put him on a course of antibiotics for 10 days or so before administering a second PSA test to rule out infection as the cause of the rise.   But could someone have prostatitis for 12 years? I think I once read somewhere that there are glands/organs other than the prostate that can produce PSA in the blood?   Could this be what’s happening to this guy? Any thoughts?   I’ve never heard of anything like this.  The docs said they want to see him again in six months. Thanks! Tom
Posted 6/10/2008 3:50 PM (GMT 0)
I know a guy that had a similar experience over several years and his PSA actually reached 20 before a biospy finally discovered cancer and his prostate was removed.  I believe he is doing well.
Posted 6/10/2008 4:24 PM (GMT 0)
I know someone who had three negative biopsies before discovering his cancer. However, his PSA was not that high, but it was rising. Did you ask him how many samples were taken during the biopsies? Sometimes if the cancer is very small, it is easy to miss the area in a biopsy. Hopefully, his doctor would have looked at his history and done more tissue samples.
I will hope that it is Prostatitis. I don't think he could have Prostatitis for ten years, but I know that it does return. Keep us posted and he is lucky to have you as a friend!!
Posted 6/10/2008 4:34 PM (GMT 0)

I had prostatitis several times over a 11 year period and had no symptoms.  The only reason to check was that my PSA was elevated.  It was only diagnosed by doing a lab test on semen.  I can think that it might be possible to have it for a long period of time but I ain't no doctor.

I think I would be seeking a second opinion if not already done.

Richard yeah   tongue   yeah

Posted 6/11/2008 4:06 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Pianoman,

Ricks Dr. once told us that PSA is also produced by the adrenal glands.

Best Wishes to you and your friend

Diana

Posted 6/11/2008 4:40 AM (GMT 0)
Interesting sometimes how things flow at this site then you see what others talk about in experiences.

A customer of mine is 61. His PSA has been above 6 for ten years. Fluctuates and was even recently in double digits. He just did another PSA and is awaiting the results. His first biopsy was negative. He has declined additional ones but might be headed that way again. Small world of discussion. He will hear more in the coming days if he will biopsy again.

Tom you also mention other glands that produce PSA. This is correct information though I'm not sure exactly what the affect on PSA is. Diana mentions adrenal glands that this may be a source. Adrenal glands do produce high amounts of DHT (dihydrotestosterone) that is easily converted to testosterone by PCa cells. This is why while on HT we will usually take Casodex, a GNRH, blocker that suppresses androgens sourced from the adrenal glands, to go along with Lupron, a clinical castration drug.

It is possible that he produces a significantly larger amount of DHT in the adrenals that cause higher PSA readings. It i salso possible that his PCa has missed the needles. At some point, a more detailed biopsy should be done.

I sure wish I could go back to the days where I knew nothing about this stupid disease.! eyes

Tony
Posted 6/12/2008 12:00 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks to all of you for your responses.  I'll pass them along and hope they shed some light on what's going on with this guy.

Tom

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