PSA and Biopsy's - Cancer: Prostate Message Board

KennyH · 04-15-2003, 03:41 PM

My PSA has been up and down since my first PSA test at 57 of 4.2. I have had two biopsy in which a total of 30 samples where taken with no cancer found. The doctor has requested a third biopsy. PSA went up to 8.1 and is now currently 6. It has been about 2 years since the first Biopsy. Anyone seen this kind of problem where the PSA is high but no cancer can be found??

Ron Z · 05-05-2003, 05:28 PM

I am 49 - PSA is 7.8. DRE is negative - no signs or symptoms - doc wants to do biopsy - I DON'T!!!!!

What is the biopsy like?

In a way, wish I had never heard of PSA - I think there is TOO much excitment over what probably is nothing -

Autumn Angel · 05-07-2003, 06:29 AM

You are both very lucky....My father gets PSA testing once every 6 months he had one a month ago and it was 4.6 # days ago he started having ALOT of blood in his urine and today goes for a cystoscopy. He had prostate surgery last year because he had trouble peeing I guess they shaved some of it to help him pee better.
Your biopsys are probably to see if the cells are Pre cancerous.
My uncle has cancer and his PSA is a 17 but they wont treat till he gets to a 20 I wonder why.
My other uncles PSA is a 10 and they are treating with hormones and he has cancer as well. I figure they are wanting to do a biopsy to see if pre cancerous cells exsist so they can catch it early if the PSA levels rise again. I am far from an expert but just going by what my dad tells me about his tests.

KennyH · 05-07-2003, 02:45 PM

I would not hesitate to have the biopsy Ron Z. It is really simple and not much pain is involved. I figure I will have a third one some day but right now my PSA is decreasing about 1 point every six months. My GP feels it is just normal ageing but we keep checking every six months. This is the key. If your PSA is increasing constantly you need to find out why. Was your first PSA 7.8? That is high for 49. I am 60 and mine went from 4.2 to 8.1 and has now returned to 6.
My free PSA is 16 which gives me a 20% likelyhood of cancer. What is your free PSA? Higher free psa is good as it means you are less likely to have cancer.

JTL · 12-04-2003, 09:50 AM

I ran across this original post and decided to add my 2 cents. I have had an elevated PSA since 1998 ranging from 4.1 to 7.2 (latest being 6.5 with a free PSA of 19) with considerable fluctuations both directions. I had a biopsy in 1998 and again in 2001, both negative. I just received the results from yet another biopsy. Guess what, Positive. One spot, Gleason 3+3. I have an appointment Monday to discuss options will probably opt for surgery (lap with the robot) or possibly seeds. Dr. told me on the phone that even "watchful waiting" was an option although not one he recommends, which is fine with me. Anyway, my point in posting is to encourage anyone with fluctuating PSA, especially if it is frequently elevated to get a biopsy and to keep getting them even if they are negative. I my case I really believe that I had PC all along. It was just very local and was missed by the previous biopsys. While I am of course disappointed in the results, I feel very fortunate to have caught this at a point where I still have some options. OBTW, I did not have any symptoms from my DRE and I am 57 in otherwise good health. Good Luck to Everyone