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Post prostatectomy: What do rising PSA levels mean?
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: May 26 4:55pm | Replies (188)Comment receiving replies
I had prostate removed in 2015. Since then, my PSA results had always come as one of the following (I guess depending on the lab): < 0.1 , < .05, < .01, or simply "undetectable". But my latest, using a new doctor, says simply "0.04" (without the < symbol). . I am worried. Any advice?
Replies to "I had prostate removed in 2015. Since then, my PSA results had always come as one..."
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With USPSA comes "sensitivity" about changes in our PSA results. Think about this, were you using conventional single decimal place PSA tests which many do, you would be consider undetectable, <.2 and you would be having your next PSA tests in 6-12 months.
Since you are using USPA, every change becomes something to worry about. As you saw from my post and clinical history chart, there can be variability in an USPSA test which can be a function of different labs, type of assay used, calibration of equipment, pre-lab activity and routine...
My medical team and I continuously monitor my PSA every 2-4 months using USPSA but no action unless it continuously rises, no imaging until its between .5 and 1 and no decision on treatment until we image.
With the clinical data you shared, I would consider not doing any treatment and continue to actively monitor, determine decision criteria for when you would act - image, with what, where, at what PSA, what constitutes a cintinuos increase vice random variability...