Hello,

I am 48 and in general good health. A sinus problem developed about 2 months ago, and my doctor prescribed decongestant tablets. These made me want to pee more often (with a weak flow). I stopped taking the decongestant tablets after reading that they might be the cause. But when I mentioned the frequent need to pee to my doctor, he quickly arranged a blood test.

The blood test result showed a PSA of 3.1, and he told me that it should not be higher than 2.5 for someone my age, and the high level indicated possible cancer. He made an appointment for me with a urologist, who I saw today at my local hospital in London. The urologist examined my stomach, testicles, penis and prostate and said they all felt fine. He suggested a biopsy, which he explained as sticking needles into the prostate to test for cancer. He said that there would be some post-biopsy bleeding, a possible infection risk, a risk that I would have difficulty passing urine, a risk that I would retain urine, and a risk that the biopsy might fail to detect cancer that was there.

It seems to me that the prostate is a delicate organ, and that it why any invasive procedure like a biopsy can cause problems. But the doctor said that a PSA of 3.1 is very high for my age, and the biopsy is the best way to find out if I have cancer. He said the first blood test may have been wrong, so I should have a second one before my biopsy, and if the second reading is normal, he would cancel the biopsy.

I wonder if anyone has any comments on this?

I suggest you have another PSA test to confirm the first one - and also have them check the 'free PSA' level. I think if it's < 25% (correct me if I'm wrong guys) the chance of having prostate cancer is higher.

I had a PSA test last May at age 48.5 and had a PSA of 4.3. The retest showed 4.7 PSA and 17% free PSA. My biopsy the next month had 2 of 12 cores positive for cancer (Gleason 3+3 = 6). I had NO symptoms (urinary or otherwise) other than a large prostate. I had a radical prostatectomy on July 25 of 2005 and am now PSA undetectable, continent and potent.

You could just have a large prostate, which could raise the PSA and impact your urinary stream....but please make sure, especially if there's any prostate cancer in your near male relatives.

PSA FAQ:
http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Detection/PSA

From a Scorpio in WV to pisces1 in the UK - good luck, God bless and let us know what happens...

PSA readings can be influenced by many things including infection, inflamation etc

. There is no "normal" PSA reading
. It is the CHANGE in PSA readings which is important, rather than one individual result.
As suggested, I would have a series of PSA tests to gauge if a rising trend develops.

I would monitor PSA readings closely, and then consider further diagnosis if the need arises.

John

Hello, well first off stay away from the tablets,vegtables and fruits will boost your immune system.Vitamin C and green tea will protect your system if there is any cancer there.Exercise, and sunlight (a little) contains vitamin D .Eat lots of brocoli and tomatoes which contains lycoplene,lycoplene is a very powerful antioxident.What it does is it protects the cells by neutalizing them.Basically try to think natural and keep your body in good health.You can do what you doctor says but you can also try alternatives.

The "free"PSA is a good suggestion- also, should not do anything to stimulate the prostate area 72 hr before blood test (intercourse, bike riding, heavy exercise and doctor's DRE exam should be AFTER blood test) as this might raise the PSA.

Any family history of Pca would help you make decision for biopsy also. If your father had Pca you are twice as likely to have it, but if brother(s) had it the risk is three times.

Good luck,

Major