PSA levels before biopsy-any chance it's not cancer?

Honker said...
 (I guess it is called PCa). I am learning so much. I will probably? go through with the biopsy and go from there. The various points of view are what's nice about this forum. I know it is my choice, but at least I have a choice.
Thanks my friend.
Regards,
Honker

Honker,

With all of the acronyms being thrown about I just want to make sure you understand the distinction between PC, PCa, and PCA3.  The first two are used interchangably as an abbreiviation for prostate cancer PCa most commonly.  PCA3 is a urine test run immediately after a DRE and is very relevent to your case.  PSA can be elevated for reasons other than prostate cancer and the serum level of PSA naturally fluctuates.  This is why PSA rise is not conslusive for prostate cancer.  PCA3 is basically a 'rule in' test.   1. This means the results are usually either non conclusive which means there where not enough cells present to complete the screen in which case you do another.  2. The test shows an adequate number of cells and is negative, which means with a high degree of certainty there is no cancer.  3. The test shows and adequate number of cells and is postive, which means with a high degree of certainty there is cancer.

Had I known about this screen a little over a year ago I would have had a comfort level that my cancer had been cured surgically before submitting myself to ADT and IMRT based on an assumption and PSA.  I saw a total of 4 urologists, three from big gun reasearch hospitals before the most recent urologist made me aware of it.  Please search PCA3 I think you will be suprised at what you learn.

Best wishes.  Scott

Dear Honker:

Re your question on biopsy timing and results...my biopsy was on a Friday afternoon.  My doc called the following Tuesday with the results.  We were in his office that very afternoon to discuss the results in detail and get copies of all reports.

Tudpock

Honker,

It is very good you are getting the biopsy. My brother actually was Dx w/ PC and had prostatectomy late Aug 08. So when my PSA jumped up in November I pretty much insisted on biopsy.

My urologist who did the biopsy said he put a rush order in on tests and called me within a few days.

I guess you need to expect the worst and hope for the best - that's all you can do.

Make sure you get copy of written report of results so you can share. My urologist told me at the Dx meeting that probably my best option would be surgery. I told him I was going to get 2nd opinion and went to Duke Medical. If your results are not good make sure you find a good university/hospital multidisciplinary approach setting for 2nd opinion and options available to you.

Good luck.

I could never know how many people have been praying for me since Dx but I have felt every one - mine are with you.

Hey Selmer, you're right. I want to be optimistic, but the roller coaster ride is stressful.
Thanks again to everyone. My biopsy is Feb 2. I'll keep y'all posted.

Regards,
Honker