cryblu said...
I am also concerned, my PSA went from 3.5 in 2010 to 5.39 on the 7th of May 2013. I've always suffered from an enlarged prostate, had multiple DRE's by our family GP, and outside of being enlarged he felt it was ok. Last DRE was in November of 2012 and was enlarged, but fine (no PSA at this exam). I'm kinda scared but reading some of your posts has helped. It seems a biopsy is in my very near future as you guys seem to think the other treatments are just putting off the inevitable. This is all todays news to me so still kinda upset. Also, this is my first post ever, anywhere! Thanks guys.
Hi Cryblu,
This forum and it's members are top notch. They have actually helped me keep my disease in perspective and base much of advice on their own experiences. That being said, let me make a suggestion about your rising PSA which is a great cause for concern.
Your GP has pretty much done everything they can in your case. It's time to consult a URO. There is a less evasive test I would consider before a full blown biopsy. (that's what my URO did) This test has been used in Europe for many years and recently been approved by the FDA. Now for the test (drum roll please) ask your URO about an RNA molecular test for prostate screening. My URO, whom I feel is top notch, indicated this test is extremely helpful in ruling out PCa. The test is NOT evasive and only hurts a little. Here's how it works. Your URO performs a DRE where he massages the prostate gland (feels more like he pinches the darn thing) and yes it hurts a little. By doing this procedure emzymes are released into the urine stream. Immediately following the DRE you pee in a small beaker and the results are analized. The lab test the urine sample for specific molecules that may be present for cancer. The downside to the test is it's reliability for showing a little more positive results when cancer is not present. However, if the test shows a negative results it's in the high 90% range that YOU DO NOT have PCa. My URO said it is excellent at ruling out cancer. If the test shows positive signs for PCa (which you may or may not have) a biopsy (which is a bit evasive) is in order as a final screening determination. Word of caution, if you have a strong indicator for PCa on the RNA test it does not mean you have PCa until a biopsy is done. If on the otherhand the RNA test comes back as negative, there is a very good chance you DO NOT have PCa. It's inevasive and certainly should be considered prior to a full blown biopsy. Ultimately ask your URO about this test.
I believe this test is called PCA3. Let me emphasize it's only another tool in the box and positive results showing a likelihood of PCa does NOT necessaryly mean you have cancer. But if the test comes back as low likelihood you have a good chance that you DO NOT have PCa. In may even prompt the URO to hold off on a followup biopsy. Like PS@52 says, a biopsy is the best sureproof tool for diagnosis. But why have a biopsy if the RNA test shows practically no risk for PCa. Ask your URO about it. BTW my RNA test came back as strong possibility and was confirmed by biopsy.