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Just found prostate cancer. Does it normally go to the bones?
Prostate Cancer | Last Active: Dec 17, 2023 | Replies (15)Comment receiving replies
I always found it confusing what the doctors call undetectable. At first y doctor said < 0.01 is undetectable. Later it was any PSA value < 0.100. My understanding is that when the prostate is removed or radiation is given to the prostate the docs like to see a PSA near or < 0.01. If you have a prostate undetectable is anything < 0.100. I'm assuming it is because one might still have a prostate that can create normal (not diseased PSA). I still have my prostate and I am stage 4 do novo - cancer in the bones only. My PSA is < 0.100 and has continued dropping even after completion of chemotherapy.
I agree. Great outcome to your treatment.
Replies to "I always found it confusing what the doctors call undetectable. At first y doctor said <..."
I think "undetectable" means just "below the limits of what this particular test is designed to find." A regular PSA screening test can detect down to 0.1; an ultrasensitive test can detect as low as 0.01 (they don't use the ultrasensitive test for routine screening because it's more expensive).
So it might just be a matter of what test your insurance (if you live in the US) or your province (if you live in Canada) is willing to pay for. In any case, below the minimum detectable threshold is always a good thing.
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wooldridgec, Same thing. Very confusing. I see all kind of numbers here and there. Then I read if you have a prostrate it should be this or that but things can make it rise and not be cancer.
Then if you don't have a prostrate anymore you should not have any. But any is not a 0 but something above that means PSA is undetectable.
I wish you well on your treatments and a great outcome.