My husband just got a PSA of 7, I'm terrified...

psa is not a test for prostate cancer. There are many things that can influence psa, infection, large prostate and prostate cancer. You cannot tell anything from one psa reading, A slow steady upward trend over time is an indicator of PC. Psa that jumps up and down is due to prostititis. A high psa that remains steady may be due to BPH as the prostate will secret .066 to .1 point of psa for every cc in volume. A 60 cc prostate, which is considered large but fairly normal could generate a psa of 6.
Your pest bet is to see a urologist and get tested with a PHI (prostate health Index) that will give you more information than psa alone. don't get talked into a biopsy until all non evasive options are used first, such as a course of antibiotics for infection.

Hi Robin,

It's way too soon to be terrified. Things other than prostate cancer can causes an elevated PSA - it is often caused prostatitis not cancer. The knee and hip pain are nearly certainly not caused by prostate cancer. That kind of bone or joint involvement happens only in pretty advanced cases - and typically not in the legs. Your husband should have a DRE (digital rectal exam) by a urologist and probably a couple of follow-up PSA tests to see if this is an upward trend or just an erratic number. Even if it should turn out to be prostate cancer, most patients have very successful outcomes - often needing only active surveillance or a one-and-done course of treatment by radiation or surgery. Don't be too influenced by the histories of the people you see posting on this board. We tend to be the small percentage of patients who have the more complex cases. Many - most - new patients we see here are treated and done, and are less inclined to hang out here after they've been treated.
Jim

Hello Robin and welcome. First of all there are a lot of reasons besides cancer that your husband's PSA could be on the high side, e.g. an infection, extra large prostate, etc. And the pains that he is experiencing are almost certainly not from prostate cancer even if that is diagnosed. Distant metastasis generally only occur with advanced prostate cancer at much higher PSA scores than your hubby has.

What he should probably do next, however, is consult a urologist who can help figure out what's going on. He will undoubtedly perform a digital rectal exam to see if he feels any abnormalities and will order another PSA test. He probably will order a round of antibiotics to see if that brings the PSA down. He may also order a PHI test https://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/clinical+and+interpretive/113000 that provides more info than the PSA test alone; you should ask about this. Your husband should refrain from sex, bike riding or any other vigorous activity that might affect the prostate for 48 hours prior to the next PSA test.

This may well be something other than prostate cancer but the odds of us old men having prostate cancer are about equal to our age, i.e. a 60% chance at age 60. However, many of these are never diagnosed and never need treatment. Even if your husband ultimately gets diagnosed there is a chance his cancer will be low end and only need to be treated as a chronic condition. And even if diagnosed as a higher grade our cancer is generally very treatable and his prognosis is likely to be that he will eventually die of something else.

But we're getting ahead of ourselves. Follow through with a urologist and check back with us for support and advice. That's what we are here for. You might also share some more info such as your husband's age and whether or not he has existing urinary issues like BPH.

Good luck.

Jim

Thank you all for your quick posting and responses...I am very very grateful. He is 60 years old.

As others already said: it could be anything, from PC to prostatitis to enlarged prostate to all 3. So hang in there until you find out more. It is very scary, no doubt. But just also keep in mind: even if it turns out to be PC, it is far far from the end. In fact, even a PC diagnosis might turn into nothing more than needing to keep an eye on it for a number of years. So don't panic yet! We will tell you when it is time to panic, until then don't go crazy! ;)

Hello, Robin,

Welcome. I'm so sorry for your scare. Fellow, wife here. I understand your fear, but take a deep breath. Right now you don't have enough information. As has been posted above, there are lots of reasons for an elevated PSA that have nothing to do with cancer. Even if it turns out that your husband has prostate cancer, there are lots of options to keep it under control for a long time. I was right there with you about 4 years ago when my husband's PSA came back at 25. I understand worry. I can worry like it's my job. But, I have found that worrying hasn't changed one single thing. I'll be praying for your peace of mind today.
Anyway, this is a good place to get good information and support. Please keep us posted as you move through this process.

Donna.

Hi Robin, and welcome to Healingwell. Donna has given you some excellent advice about worrying! My hubby also had a PSA in the 20's and is doing well today. The other guys are the best source of information you'll find anywhere (as you can see from their feedback and encouragement). And JNF had a PSA of 59 and is also one of our inspirational members here! As you can see, you've come to the right place. Just find a good specialist, take a deep breath, and get to the bottom of his elevated PSA for starters. All the best.