Confused about results

Began have PSA tests at age 47. First PSA was 1.2, second PSA year later was 1.68 (urologist), third PSA nine months later was 1.5 (family doctor), fourth PSA three months later (urologist) was 1.93. According to my urologist, these results, combined with normal DRE, were all considered normal. Four months after the 1.93 PSA, I turned 50 and was scheduled by my family doc for a thorough physical exam. The nurse called with results and said that total PSA was 2.9. When I questioned the Doc about these results, he said he would resubmit the same sample to a different lab and check total PSA and % free PSA. That result came back with total PSA at 3.4 and % free PSA at 15%. I scheduled an immediate appointment with my urologist who said that his advice would be to wait a month, let everything "settle down," and then do another blood test. He also indicated to me that the % free PSA result was not really valid unless the total PSA was 4 or above. This really doesn't jive with what I've read. I have no other "prostate" symptoms. Any advice out there?

OKBoy, You numbers are still in a low range though the last sample, if valid, would call attention, perhaps FOR more "wait and watch." Your doc probably wants some time to pass and to get his own numbers from the lab. Hang in there for the month but read up on the issues so you can understand what he is telling you when you get the results.

Teddyg

This is just my opinion... I would not jump to conclusions but not sure why he would wait a month. My PSA went from 2.8 to 3.5 and the doctor put me on 30 days of antibiotics. My PSA dropped to 2. He said great and get re-tested in 6 months. I waited about 3.5 months and the PSA was up to 3.8. I went for the biopsy and it came back positive. Like some post above state, read up and be ready....

OKboy,
Your PSA velocity, psa doubling time and free psa are all abnormal. These would be red flags that I would be concerned with. Urologists unfortunately just don't have the knowlege when it comes to diagosing PC except by biopsy. I spent 10 years dealing with urologists who continued to dx BPH in the face of rising psa and abnormal free psa.. Once my oncologist saw my history he immediately knew I had PC and the only question was where and how much.
I would consult with a good prostate oncologist who has the skill to evaluate you. If it walks like a duck it's probably a duck.
A slow steady rise of psa is usually indicative of PC.
Your doctor could have estimated the size of your prostate and calculated the psa it is generating. Anything more needs to be explained. Also I would request a PCA3 urine test. If your urologist didn't perform these two simple tests with your psa history and free psa I would find someone that could.
The following link should be very helpful in helping you understand psa. Dr Strum probably knows more about psa than anyone around.
http://www.prostate-cancer.org/education/preclin/StrumPogliano_EveryDocShouldKnow.html
JohnT