Rising PSA - next step options

Posted by rcroane56 @rcroane56, 5 days ago

I have not been diagnosed with prostate cancer, so I hope it's still ok to join this group and ask a question.

I will be 70 this coming January. My PSA is in the normal range (3.54), but has spiked to that level over the past year. My urologist of 20+ years has given me a couple of options. Option 1 is to continue monitoring through PSA blood tests. Option 2 is an MRI. He offered the MRI in his words "to settle your anxiety about continuous testing". He said he did not expect the MRI to show anything concerning. I believe he is being straight with me and not sugar coating things. I'm inclined to proceed with the MRI to 1) put my mind at ease if it shows nothing remarkable and 2) take early action if it does suggest a need for further testing. I actually had a biopsy ~15 years ago because my PCP thought he felt something suspicious. It turned out negative. Lastly, my father died of prostate cancer at age 87.

I guess my question is....would there be any reason not to proceed with the MRI vs. continued screening via blood tests?

Thanks

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rcroane56 | @rcroane56 | 1 day ago

I want to thank you all for your replies and words of encouragement. I will definitely be getting the MRI....calling tomorrow to schedule.

I also wanted to mention that after re-reading my original post, I realized that I left out one detail about my prostate health history. I was diagnosed with BPH following my first biopsy (~15 years ago). I am taking daily Tamsulosin for that condition.

jc76 | @jc76 | 1 day ago

In reply to @tom86 "MRI fusion is actually doing the biopsy. Not just walking away with the MRI results alone." + (show)

@tom86
Tom, little confused by your post. "MRI fusion is actually doing the biopsy." Did you mean is done during the biopsy?

I had a MRI with contrast to look at prostate. That test revealed suspicious areas. The urologist then ordered and preformed biopsies using MRI/Fusion.

Did I make a mistake on my post? I certainly have seen them as I type to fast and don't take time to proof read. And my spelling is atrocious if spell check is not active. I type way to fast and letters get interchanged and same for words.

jc76 | @jc76 | 1 day ago

In reply to @rcroane56 "I want to thank you all for your replies and words of encouragement. I will definitely..." + (show)

@rcroane56
Sounds like you are in good hands with your urologist and you like and respect him.

That goes a long way in both our physical and mental health.

Hope MRI shows nothing that would prompt further testing. When I had mine they found suspicious areas. I asked my Mayo urologist what the chances of those suspicious areas were cancer. He said 70%. I was hoping luck was on my side with I would be in the 30% that it is nothing. But the biopsies revealed prostate cancer.