Fluctuating Numbers

welcome to HW.

PSA only measures prostate activity and really only useful to tell you when to see a urologist to get things checked out. Things that can cause high PSA are: BPH (enlarged prostate), prostatitis (infection), sex before the test, bike riding, bad day at the lab and last and lowest on the list: cancer.

Infection or prostatitis is more often associated with wildly swinging PSA numbers. BPH and PC tend to have constant upward trends. We've also heard from us of our members of lab tests that have returned false results.

In your case, I'd suspect that the 1.4 is a false reading (an error at the lab). Your other numbers are basically the same (the .1 change is likely just noise or because you're a year older).

It's a bit of a mystery, but likely nothing to worry about too much. If does concern you, get a referral to a URO for a check and evaluation.

Andrew

yup, that could account for the number. You might want a URO consult just to see if it's at a stage that needs treatment. There are good meds out there that can help if it's a problem.

but since you're on a PC site I will say this, it's unlikely that you've got any kind of PC - note that I am not a doctor, just some random guy on the internet.

Just keep getting the PSA tests, treat the BPH if needed and mostly, enjoy life to the full.

Andrew

Dre, At this point, you should not be concerned with having cancer.

However, you should ask for both a psa and a free psa test at your next appointment. That will provide a bit more information as to whether an MRI and/or a biopsy are warranted.

But, again the odds are far in your favor that the psa fluctuations are meaningless.

PSA fluctuations between labs is real. I had blood drawn on the same day in two different doctor's offices who use 2 different labs. One was 4.7 and one was 3.2

My BPH hung around that range for years.