Connect
Husband's elevated PSA level: What could it mean?
Hello, everyone. My husband, a few months ago, had a PSA of 6. His PCA prescribed antibiotics, which brought that number down to 4. He had a follow up appointment with a urologist today, scheduled a biopsy, and this doctor gave him a potential chance of cancer of 60/40%, and unfortunately, didn't seem supportive, or even explain other possibilities for his elevated PSA. I'm wondering if anyone has insight on this? My husband does not have a family history of prostrate cancer. Thank you, thank you!
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Prostate Cancer Support Group.
Connect
Oops... PCP, not PCA
A PSA of four is in the normal range.
Before doing a biopsy an MRI should be done. That will show if there’s anything in the prostate that looks like it might be cancer. If the doctor is not doing an MRI, you need to find another doctor. The MRI allows them to do a directed biopsy, if they find anything, otherwise they are shooting in the dark.
It sounds like your husband had BPH. There’s no reason that would be a cause to say you have cancer when the PSA goes back down so much.
You might want to look for a center of excellence to get treatment that is using the latest technology. If you say what area you live in, we can give you some help on that.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
12 ReactionsGreat advice from Jeff as usual. Why do a barbaric procedure like a biopsy before MRI. Standard of care is PSA blood test, DRE, MRI, Biopsy, PSMA, and other tests can help like Decipher, GPS, ETC with treatment options.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactionslisten to jeff Marchi's advice - I echo that !! your husband's PSA of 6 retreating to 4 is a very good sign of just BHP or UTI problem responding nicely to antibiotic..IF his PSA ( schedule in 4-6 months) is back up, then MRI with contrast is next step...from what you have related, a biopsy is not needed at this juncture...remember doctors are like mechanics in a way..many are very good/ethical/compassionate..some are not good/comppetent/compassionate...find a new doc ASAP. ( btw, it is prostate - google it, learn about what it does, where it lives etc..!;=)
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions@jeffmarc
Hi, Jeff, and thank you immensely for your advice. My husband and I are grateful. We live in the Columbus, Ohio, area, and any recommendations would be amazing.
@copyman
Thank you so very much! I can't tell you how much this means to us! We're so happy to look at other options, such as a second opinion, Centers of Excellence, and additional resources. Gratefully, K
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
1 Reaction@xahnegrey40
Thank you, too, for support and advice, and my husband and I are so incredibly thankful for words of wisdom. We are so appreciative.
good luck...be vigillant but I think hubby is ok for now...schedule PSA every 4 months and if it starts moving upward, then urologist/oncologist should get involved and call the shots...shop around for one just in case !!
now enjoy your evening !
@xahnegrey40
Thank you, again! We've already decided to get a second opinion, and take all of y'all's words of advice.
@katebaker
From what I can see the place to go in Columbus is
The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center - James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute
Specialized Care Teams: The OSUCCC – James utilizes multidisciplinary teams (urologists, oncologists, researchers) who specialize specifically in treating prostate cancer, providing personalized, targeted therapies.
-
Like -
Helpful -
Hug
2 Reactions