I just wanted to share my story with you. A few months ago, my husband began having prostate symptoms, having to urinate almost every half hour, never feeling completely relieved, dribbling, etc. He saw a urologist who did a PSA test. It came back at 29.7! Just a year before, it was at 1. We knew there is always great cause for concern when the number increases so rapidly. My husband had a biopsy done -- twelve samples were taken. The urologist told him that there would probably be a 75% chance of cancer, but if so, they probably caught it early enough. He also said he could feel that his prostate was very swollen. We were not expecting great news, especially with that high a PSA. However, today we got the results back. No cancer was found in any of the tissue samples. He apparently has chronic inflammation of the prostate. His symptoms had actually subsided during this time. The doctor says they will just keep an eye on things and repeat the PSA and maybe another biopsy in 9 months. I had read all the posts here about men being diagnosed with cancer with PSA results much lower than my husbands, so I was preparing for the worst. So, this is just to give hope to all who are scared about those dreaded numbers. PSA tests measure the amount of inflammation. Only the biopsy can actually tell you if the cause of the inflammation is cancer or not. We dodged the bullet this time. I wish you all the best -- stay positive!

That is really great news. When next you do a PSA test maybe a "free" PSA might be a good idea. If you have been reading any of the posts you probably know that no sex, bike riding, heavy exercise and DRE 72 hr before blood is drawn for PSA.

Good luck to you.
Major

Yes, "free PSA" is a good suggestion: under the circumstances, I'd have a PSA test every few months.

Have personal experiences where biopsy can miss a cancer which is small, or which is not in the usual outer location of the gland, so it's worthwhile being vigilant.

John

Yes, "free PSA" is a good suggestion: under the circumstances, I'd have a PSA test every few months.

Have personal experiences where biopsy can miss a cancer which is small, or which is not in the usual outer location of the gland, so it's worthwhile being vigilant.

John

My PSA was 4 ish for 12 months tested monthly then waited 6 months and it had leapt to 7.4. 8 Point Biopsy was 100% clear. DRE was 100% clear. But why PSA high? Still worried.

Could be an infection causing the high PSA. Also, next time you get a PSA test ask for a "free" PSA also - if it is below 19% that would indicate a good chance of cancer that the biopsy has missed. When having a biopsy, think most feel that you need at least 12 cores taken.

Remember, 72 hr before PSA blood is drawn there should be no sex, bike riding, heavy exercise or anything that will stimulate the prostate - also DO NOT have a DRE before having blood drawn - this should be done after.

Hope this info helps.

Major

Mt PSA was 4 ish for 12 months tested monthly then waited 6 months and it had leapt to 7.4. 8 Point Biopsy was 100% clear. DRE was 100% clear. But why PSA high? Still worried.

With that change in PSA, regular testing would be worthwhile.
8 snip biopsy will detect 95% of cancers, but could miss small cancers, or cancers which are not in the usual outer area.

John