What to expect PSA number 4.7? 72 yr old

At face value, I don't think that's a particularly high reading for a 72 year old...Depending on what source you're using for the scale.

I was talking to two seperate friends recently, one was 78 with 1.2 and the other was 72 with 6.1, neither is being treated, just watched for different reasons.

If it's more than YOUR normal, it could be elevated. The indicators would be "how fast is it rising?" or what is commonly referred to as rate of doubling.

If that is high for you, than yes, I'd have another test in a a month or two and see if it's rising and if so how quickly.

A "one off" reading that is a little high isn't really unusual. A lot of things can cause it, infection, activities like excercise or recent sexual activity etc..

If the PSA is elevated for you and rising, then yes, time for more testing. Some go right to biopsy, some practitioners may have a look first with an MRI.

Hopefully it's just an minor anomoly!
Best of luck to you!

@joem (Colleen, when type @joem in nothing comes up on the list)
I was 76 at the time of my prostate cancer diagnosis. My PSA was 3.75. Under 4 is considered normal.

However, I had a great PCP at Mayo Jacksonville that did not like the rising PSA over the years. He referred me to urologist after keeping me off my long bike rides did not stop the rising numbers. Urologist did DME (normal), then MRI (with contrast showed suspicous areas), biopsies, then cancer diagnosis.

I was told caught early and Decipher showed low risk (also had PSMA and bone scan). Got two opinions from R/Os at two different outstanding health facilities. Radiation only as my treatment. My PSA at last check was .51 1 year after treatments ended.

Do you have any symptoms of prostate inflammation? Urine flow etc. What has been the rising numbers over the years? Has it been steady or a quick rise? I would suggest seeing a urologist.

Your posts about course of action about treatments you really won't know until biopsies and tests are done to confirm cancer, the type, agressiveness of it, and has it spread outside the prostate. These tests will all govern what treatments will be recommended to you. Hopefully you don't have prostate cancer at all.

Bottom line for me if I had your numbers I would see urologist and yes regardless get the PSA test within 3 months of your other. The best thing you can do with prostate cancer is to catch it early. Thus those PSA tests really help but don't always mean you have cancer even if above normal or rising. Many things can change why it rises.

Good Luck.
Are you close to a major health provider like Mayo Clinic or Cleveland Clinic. Going to an experienced institution like these can really ensure you are getting the best diagnosis and if necessary the best treatments that are out there these days.

Living in the island of Puerto Rico, doctor’s appointments are becoming increasingly difficult and sometimes takes 6 to 12 months to accommodate.
I truly appreciate your comments and will follow up with a urologist. I asked because I see that the “standard procedure “ here on island or el most try common is , exam , biopsy, radiation or removal.
I have no history in my family of prostate cancer.
Thank You again!
Joe

My reading was 4.6 so I waited 7 months and then discovered I had stage 4 PCa. Metasticized to lymph nodes- the cause- exposed to agent Orange in Vietnam. It snuck up on me fast. FYI- maybe you weren’t in Vietnam.

I'm 60 and about a year ago my PSA started to "spike" when my PSA was 6 I was sent to a Urologist, had a biopsy and got a benign report for PC. Six months later my PSA is 12 and I've been on some meds and supplements. I will retest in Jan and go from there. Your urologist might do a digital exam and do some imagining first and then a biopsy. You might also go on some drugs supplements etc. You might go on Active Monitoring for PC. Keep in mind that your PSA might be due to BPH not PC. You might talk to your Urologist about your concerns. I would go to a Urologist ASAP. When my PSA was 3.5 I was encouraged to go and I didn't. You should expect a conservative approach. My dad had BPH and elevated PSA. I have a huge family history of Cancer. I'm trying to be as positive as I can about this. Just take it one step at a time. This support group is amazing.

I'd have the MRI. You can have low PSA and still have cancer. Now that your PSA has roused suspicion, calm your fears or gird for battle depending on the results.
Best luck

Sorry to hear that , was 1A in college , the war stopped and so did the draft, My brother who is 9 years older is now suffering the effects of agent orange from Vietnam .
In 7 months the cancer progress to stage 4.

I respect and value your courage. I will go to the urologist ASAP.

That sounds like my situation. The urologist/radiation oncologist were surprised how far advanced the PCa was during my biopsy’s with a PSA of only 8. On 2/2/22. Today it’s < .01 after radiation and on ADT therapy. ZYTIGA/PREDNISONE for 22 months .

Thank you so much. There is no other way.