PSA Doubled in 3 years

Hi Iceman,

No way to tell just by the PSA whether anything is wrong. PSA goes up with age as our prostates enlarge. You are just outside the normal range 0f 4.5 for your age.

PSA is not a test for cancer, but of prostatic tissue activity which can include cancer, BPH, infection, etc. The next job for your doctor will be to attempt to isolate the cause of the increase. Did you doctor examine the prostate with a finger Known as a DRE? Was there a finding? Do you have a history of prostatitis or enlargement? Do you have urinary problems?

If the PSA continues to go up and/or the DRE is suspicious, the doctor may order a biopsy. This is the only way to confirm cancer but a negative biopsy doesn’t always rule cancer out. It is rather complex.

See your doctor and get the assessment. If anything you may want to have more frequent PSA tests. Above all relax. No need to worry or speculate.

Welcome to HW.

It's something. Certainly discuss you concerns with your doctor. You doc may not have seen the result yet or since you have an appointment coming up, might just wait till you're there to discuss. While the number isn't normal (just barely out of normal range for your age), it's not an alarm call.

Since you're posting on a PC site, I'll assume that's your concern. Well, PSA isn't a test for cancer. It measures prostate activity and something is going on. Could be an enlarged prostate, infection, bad day at the lab. In any case the reason for the increase needs to be looked into. A urologist would be better to do the evaluation, so I'd ask for a referral.

At the URO, they'll do a DRE, maybe a followup PSA or other blood work. You should ask about a PHI (prostate health index) test or at least a freePSA test. Both will give a few more factors that might help indicate what's up. Before you even think PC, you need to eliminate all the other possible causes for the rise. A scan or two might be ordered, but may not help figure out what's up.

If it can't be explained any other way, then you'd get a biopsy to see what might be there. You're not close to that. PC is generally a slow process so you can do things in the "normal course of events" and don't need rush around.

If, big if, the worst is true, you've caught it early enough to have every hope for a positive outcome and this being nothing more than a bump in the road of life (big bump, but just a bump).

Hang in there and keep us updated on your progress.
Andrew

Iceman,
They did give you great advice. The only thing I could add is to just take things one step at a time.

My former boss/mentor lost his battle to PC late in 2018. We talked at least once a month on the phone and I listened to his optimism, disappointments and struggles. In his later months, he was on some extremely aggressive and somewhat experimental therapies which worked, then didn't. Ultimately the cancer took over his body. It was tough as he was the most influential person in my life. This recent test result sent me back to those difficult conversations so obviously I was/am concerned. I read where you guys are and have been and feel extremely lucky with where I am today - but still I want to be as proactive as possible. Your words of reassurance and encouragement are special. Again, thank you!

Hello Iceman,

The advice you have received thus far is based on many years of experience. The one thing I would add is that some other things that can contribute to a higher PSA number would include Sexual activity within 48 hours prior to the blood test, bicycle riding, or other things of that nature.

Best of luck with the follow up.

Perry

Ask for PHI test. It is three times more actuate than just PSA. Currently the cut-off value is 36%. If PHI is above it a biopsy is recommended.