HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Question about upcoming PSA test

Support Forums
>
Prostate Cancer
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 1/3/2017 7:03 PM (GMT 0)
First let me say that I'm sorry this question may be stupid or simple but I'm new at this. As I previously posted before I'm only 44 but had my PSA test come back at 5.1. Sort of shocked men but that's okay. I am scheduled to have this rechecked at the end of this month once I take 4 weeks of Cipro but from reading many posts on here and doing internet searches and studying my question is: Would I be better off not only having my PSA number checked but also having them check the free PSA? My understanding is; and I may be wrong here, is this number is a better indicator of PCa that just PSA by itself. Thanks in advance for any information or if there is something else I need to do please let me know. Take care!
Posted 1/3/2017 7:24 PM (GMT 0)
It's a very good question. % free PSA is an improvement over PSA alone. Still better is a blood test called Prostate Health Index (PHI). PHI includes both PSA and % free PSA. It is less affected by prostatitis. It's still not a great test, but it's better than the other two, it's inexpensive, and covered by insurance. Here's info on it if your urologist doesn't know how to order it:

/www.accureference.com/phi/

There are other biochemical tests (e.g., 4Kscore, PCA3, etc.) but they are all more expensive, not covered by insurance before a first biopsy, and no more accurate.

I hope the antibiotics bring it down.
Posted 1/3/2017 7:52 PM (GMT 0)
Krammer49
You got the right person to answer your question dry knowledgeable,I have the same problem with one big difference our age I'm much older
Tall Allen was helpful for me as most on here oh my next PSA in 2 weeks
Posted 1/3/2017 8:23 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Tall Allen and Hope4all! I know this is probably wrong of me but right now I haven't consulted an urologist. I'm still going through my PCP. Now before you fuss at me; LOL, where I live we are in a very rural setting where specialist aren't very good. I call them a bunch of quacks. I have already decided that if this next PSA is elevated; again from what I have researched higher than 2.5 for my age, then I will consult with one. Sad thing is I will have to travel 2 1/2 hours to get to them. Thanks again!
Posted 1/4/2017 11:44 AM (GMT 0)
K, Please heed TA's advice and request the PHI test, not just another psa, to get a better assessment of your situation.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply