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Posted 5/3/2016 4:00 PM (GMT 0)
I am 55 years old and just learned that I have a PSA of 11. My previous psa was 1.3 9 months ago and has only once been above 2 when it was 4, 2 years ago when I was treated with antibiotics for prostitis which brought it back down to under 2. I am having a biopsy in a week but just wanted to hear back from folks to see what they think. I do have pain in that area which prompted me to get a blood test. I know rapid rise in PSA is a concern but this is a huge rise in short time.
Brian
Posted 5/3/2016 4:15 PM (GMT 0)

Whiteplainsguy said...
I know rapid rise in PSA is a concern but this is a huge rise in short time...



(finishing your sentence for you)
"...which is usually indicative of a prostate infection."


A lot--too may--urologists jump to a prostate biopsy without trying first to treat a prostate biopsy...which is the AUA "best practice." Way too many unnecessary biopsies, which are not, themselves, without risk. You might want to ask why he is not following AUA "best practices." Google: AUA PSA best practices

So being over 50, you've probably got at least some small amount of prostate cancer growing. The percentage of men having it (mostly indolent) is roughly equal to their age. 70% of 70-year olds, etc.

So a prostate biopsy for someone like you can be somewhat of a fishing expedition. Be careful of the possible "slippery slope" you will be tempted to get on. Over-treatment for favorable-risk PC remains rampant in the US. (see the recent discussions here on "regret")

Never too early to start learning more about your prostate, and the somewhat inevitable coming (with age) of prostate cancer. I strongly recommend you begin by reading the sticky thread (top of page) titled "Newly diagnosed with PC? - read this thread first."

best wishes
Posted 5/3/2016 4:16 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome to HW,

Rapid increases in PSA are more likely to be due to infection - your rapid increase could be explained by infection alone. PC doesn't grow that fast, even aggressive PC is a bit on the slow side. At 55 a PSA of 2 isn't that big of a concern. I think you're rushing into an unneeded biopsy. Prostitis is difficult to treat and often doesn't respond to antibiotics.

PC rarely has symptoms so the pain you mention is likely from something else.

Personally, I think you're going to get a biopsy result that says nothing useful and I'd be surprised if they found any cancer. Personally, I'd retest in 2-4 months and see where things are. You should also consider other tests such as the PHI (prostate health index) which will give more information without having to poke needles into your prostate.

Andrew
Posted 5/3/2016 4:51 PM (GMT 0)
Hello WhitePlainsGuy. Seeing as you are already prone to prostatitis, in my mind, it's a good chance it's a re-occurance.

As hard as it is to do, don't worry about it, but do have it checked out.
Posted 5/3/2016 6:29 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you all for your replies. I really appreciate it. In fairness to my doctor he did give me the option of antibiotics. I am going to call him and try the antibiotics first. Once again, heartfelt thanks to all who replied to me. I'll keep you posted.
Brian
Posted 5/3/2016 6:30 PM (GMT 0)
As the others have said, my money is on Prostate infection. I would ask for a course of Cipro, or other appropriate anti biotic, followed by another PSA test along with fPSA. I'm not a Dr, but it doesnt seem like cancer to me.
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