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Spiking PSA

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Posted 9/22/2011 2:00 PM (GMT 0)
I had my first PSA 2 months ago (I'm 52). Result was 5.4. I was put on Cipro for 2 months to see if it was just an infection.

New PSA this week was 12! I was very shocked; the Dr. recommended an immediate biopsy but I was a bit too stunned to commit right then.

I've since spoken to several friends (including doctors) and they've unanimously leaned toward the biopsy. It's now scheduled for next week.

Question: What the heck could cause a spike of 7 points in 2 months? I've understood that "generally" PCa only raises the PSA in very small increments.

FYI--my father had PCa in his late 70's...
Posted 9/22/2011 2:20 PM (GMT 0)
It is not unusual to see fairly rapid increases in PSA, but it doesn't always mean it is purely because of cancer. Generally, cancer will result in PSA increases and doubling times can often be three months or less. The biopsy will help confirm the situation.

If it os positive, then you can treat the cancer. If it is negative, you still have to be dilligent because many times biopsies will miss the cancer. In other words, a biopsy can confirm the cancer, but can't always confirm there is no cancer.....just that the small part biopsied didn't show any cancer. It is common for a person to have several biopsies before the cancer is confirmed.
Posted 9/22/2011 3:11 PM (GMT 0)
hi, hungry, there are a few things that will artificially ease the PSA up (infection, ejaculation, and abuse like a DRE) , but i think you're to the point that you and Doc need to get a handle on what's really going on, and biopsy is the best way to do that...  wishing you all the best.

bob

 

Posted 9/22/2011 9:52 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with your decision to get the biopsy promptly. The PSA jump could be due to other things but if it is cancer, it's fast growing cancer and needs to be treated. The PSA jump could be a combination: some due to PC and some due to other things. There is little value in speculating what else it might be at this point. Get the biopsy and you'll know.
Posted 9/22/2011 9:59 PM (GMT 0)
welcome aboard,

i would strongly reccomend to have the biopsy as soon as practical. in my own PC journey, large SPA spikes ended up being the sign that I had an agressive cancer at work. hopefully, there may be other non cancerous reasons for your spikes, let's hope so.

i wish you the best, and look forward to what you report next.

david in sc
Posted 9/23/2011 2:18 AM (GMT 0)
With a jump from 5 to 12, I would get myself prepared for some bad news...Cancer is not always the reason, there are exceptions, but generally speaking, a jump like that is not good...

If you would like more information about prostate cancer, there are several books written by expert doctors who leave no stone unturned.."Guide to surviving Prostate Cancer" by Patrick Walsh is my favorite...

Check back in with us and let us know how that biopsy goes and the best of luck to you....
Posted 9/23/2011 6:45 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry about the spike in PSA.  You should be extremely concerned about a possibility of cancer.  But remember it's not a death sentence in most cases.  This forum is a good example of some very knowledgable survivors and their advice has helped me through some difficult times.

One thing I may suggest to help with your diagnosis.  There is a molecular test available that is good at ruling out prostate cancer.  It has not been approved by the FDA but many doctors use it.  It's a simple test.  The doctor performs a digital exam (ouch) and massages the prostate.  The patient must then provide a urine sample for the lab test.  There is a certain RNA molecule that shows up in the test that is rated as low, medium, and high probability of cancer.  My test results showed on the high side of the medium and sure enough the biopsy confirmed.  I added a link that explains it in more detail.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1477583/

 

Posted 9/24/2011 10:25 AM (GMT 0)
Don't want to play down how much this will be personally worrying for you but I reckon 100% go for the biopsy. I had terrible stories ringing in my ears about how bad it was (10 years earlier) but I found the fear and anticipation was the worst of the needle biopsy, hardly painful at all. I also had rapid PSA increase, 7.7 - 11 in 5 weeks with a DRE (ouch) in between. The biopsy will reveal the picture better for you and remember that PCa is one of the most treatable of the cancers. The worry and fear are the worst parts of this thing and you have a great source of support and experience here, I wish it was available to me in 2008 when I needed it.
Posted 9/24/2011 11:52 AM (GMT 0)
Kickinthebutt you are so on with your advice.  I choose to be put to sleep with my biopsy.  The doctor took 24 samples 3 were positive for cancer.  Absolutely no pain at all.  The ride home from the hospital was like sitting on a baseball where the area had swelled a little, uncomfortable but it did not hurt.  Very little blood in urine or stool.  All the preliminary test like cat scan, bone scan, etc. is done prior to the biopsy when they put you to sleep.  If you do have cancer you don't have to go through those pre-op test again.  It is my personal opinion you probably have prostate cancer.  My PSA went from 2.2 to 3.2 in one year which lead to the biopsy.  I don't want to scare you but the PSA rise may be a rather agressive form which needs attention and your chances of a full recovery will probably be very good.  Everybody on this forum will advise you to get a highly experienced Uro doc if you decide to go the surgical route.  These doctors have skills that can save nerves that will help recovery.  The robot surgery was not  that painful either.  However, the catherter was very cumbersome (but it didn't hurt).  These forum guys will help you through this because they have been there and done that.   

Like Kickinthebutt said, your nerves and anxiety are probably the worse part of it. 

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