Why won't doctor give PSA number? - Cancer: Prostate Message Board

clancy · 07-16-2001, 07:51 AM

Last night I happened to ask my husband how has quarterly PSA test went and whether he had the results. He said yes, the result was "low". He said he never receives a number.

Given he has had prostate cancer, had his prostate removed, had radiation and is now on hormonal treatment -- shouldn't the PSA be -0-, unless the cancer is again active???

ORIS · 07-27-2001, 04:02 PM

Dear Clancy,
Your husband should receive a number from his PSA tests. He will have to insist on a copy of test results for his records. Some labs will say <less than say 0.1
PSA is one of the tests used post treatment to determine success. The goal is to have it within "acceptable range" for his age. For men in their 50's it should be under 1.5. They allow an increase with age, so the upper range of 4 is a number acceptable for men in their late 60's/early 70's as prostate cancer is usually slow growing. This is a point of confusion for many general practitioners, as lab tests give normal range as 0-4 without secifying the importance of age.

clancy · 07-30-2001, 08:18 AM

Oris, thank you.

I will ask him to let his doctor know he wants a number, not just an "acceptable" report.

Best regards.