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High PSA Levels: What is the cause?
I have been fighting raising psa levels for past two yrs now. My urologist has done several psa and testostrone test done for possible ED problem . My first test was like at 7 or 8 when it is suppose to be between 0 and 4. He checked prostate and found it is enlarged . So he keeps monitoring psa. Still having sexual problems refering to ED. Test again before next appt . On appt date test was 12 for psa testostrone was like 200. He recomeded biopsy to check for prostate cancer so he did a ultrasound biopsy. Results neg for cancer. Has me test again before next visit psa 14 testostrone 192. He then tries some testostrone injections to bring up testostrone levels to try to help sexual problem test before appt psa slightly elevated testostrone 406. Still sexual problems so he sends me in for MRI to verify for sure i Dont have prostate cancer. Results still neg . Got frustrated no answers doc will not give me any meds to bring down my numbers. So he put me on bi mix injections to help with ED. Tries it out on me first then sends me home to suffer with a 6 to 7 hr errection and had to go back for emergency drainage of blood to bring it back down . Now really having ED problems even with bi mix prescription . Went back for test again psa 18.1 testostrone 204. Now he still refuses to give me meds to bring numbers down . Mri results found no sign of cancer they just showed i had a enlarged prostate. Which we already knew. Is my numbers going to keep going up and still test neg for cancer? What can i expect can the numbers just be high due to prostate enlarged and never have cancer? Where do i go next? What do i do next to get answers
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"There is no specific normal or abnormal level of PSA in the blood." (cancer.gov)
We really need better information on this topic. From what I've read, some prostates generate more PSA than others. Some are larger than others (which also means more PSA). We don't know why. It doesn't seem reasonable to make people worry about PSA levels and try to reduce them without additional concerns.
I have had "high" PSA for years. I had multiple tests, including 3T MRIs. They haven't shown anything. My PSA levels can vary 3-5 points, depending on sexual activity.
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3 ReactionsMy urologist actually had a great deal to do with development of the psa test. I'm unclear whether I have substantial "other" issues. That needs to be determined. Thanks for your comment.
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2 Reactions@cekkk I'm 66 and my PSA has been above 6 for 3 years. The last reading was September 2023 and the reading was 10.03. I will be getting an updated reading next week since I will be seeing the urologist the following week. My urologist has not pushed for a biopsy but it may be because I'm not having any issues other than the elevated PSA. An ultrasound showed that the prostate is enlarged, which can result in a higher PSA. The urologist told me there are no imperfections in the prostate (via the DRE) and he uses that as the indicator for cancer. I trust his experience. You may want to get a second opinion before submitting to a biopsy.
Tony in Michigan
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2 ReactionsI have read quite a little bit here, but still want to ask this question. I'm 81. Recent PSA test was 6 points something. My urologist would like to conduct a biopsy. And he said there is a 75% chance that I'm good, but that leaves at 25% chance that I have a cancer. And of course, without the test there's no way to tell if it's aggressive or not. My question is this. Should I proceed with the biopsy?
I'm 81, have minor kidney and liver problems, more concerning is nerve problems that have resulted in foot drop four years ago in one leg and in November, a few months ago, nerve/muscle weakness in the thigh of the other leg. And along with that is moderate but constant discomfort. I really don't need to undergo any procedure that is not clearly necessary. Comments and or advice, please.
your Dr. likes to "hunt & Fish" too much
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2 Reactionsget a new dr. first thing ..
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3 ReactionsTry saw pametto.
Biopsy completed. 6mm Adenocarcinoma, 4+4=8, Grade Group 4 40% of core, tow additional Adenocarcinomas 3+3=6 Grade Group 1 (both 1mm), one focal High Grade Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia Grade 3, and One Focal Prostatic Intraepithelial Neoplasia Grade 3. Any thoughts on this?
Transrectal ultrasound-guided
prostate biopsy on Feb. 15th. Thanks Colleen for the above post and referenced articles. urinalysis was normal. Had TURP procedure done in 2014.
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1 ReactionWelcome @sanabuju82. Rising PSA levels can be alarming. It may or may not be cancer. It's good that this is being followed and that you are having a biopsy.
Your question is a common one. So I moved your post to this existing discussion:
- High PSA Levels: What is the cause?: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/high-psa-levels/
I did this so you can read previous helpful posts and connect easily with members like @harley52 @legendts @jenatsky @kw070707 @rfherald and others.
Here's an article from Mayo Clinic about what to expect for the biopsy.
– Prostate Cancer Biopsy https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/prostate-biopsy/about/pac-20384734
And two discussion where men who have had a prostate cancer biopsy share their experiences and tips:
– Anyone have an Ultrasound-Guided Transperineal Prostate Biopsy? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/anyone-have-an-ultrasound-guided-transperineal-prostate-biopsy/
– Prostate transrectal biopsy https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/prostate-transrectal-biopsy/
When will you have the biopsy? Do you know which kind?
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