Fluctuating PSA test results - Cancer: Prostate Message Board

gkent · 06-21-2003, 07:47 AM

I have been having strange test results. Generally, the simple PSA test has higher numbers than the complete PSA test (by as much as 2.5 times). Also, after a benign biopsy, my PSA declined, but 6 months later it shot up to 7.4 from 3.4 in 6 months. My Urologist could not explain, and I am concened. Can anyone help me with a possible explanation? Thank you.

Pamk · 06-21-2003, 10:16 PM

Hi. I did a search on Google for you and came up with a bunch of hits but here is one link for you to start with.
[url="http://www.*******.org/forums/urology/archive/1030.html"]http://www.*******.org/forums/urology/archive/1030.html[/url]

According to that link fluctuating PSAs can be due to a number of different things.

Good luck.

gkent · 06-22-2003, 09:08 AM

Thanks for the pointer - I'll check it out.

KennyH · 06-23-2003, 04:46 PM

I am seeing this as well. My PSA started out at 4.2 4 years ago my first psa test. It climbed to 8.1 and then has declined. I have had 2 biopsy with 13 and 16 samples taken with no cancer found. It is currently at 6.1 and my doctors feels it may just be age and a slightly enlarged prostrate. I am 60. We monitor it every six months and it has been declining for the last year. Wish I knew what to make of this but I don't know what else to do as long as it is declining.

gkent · 06-23-2003, 05:40 PM

Thanks for the info. I am 58 and my primary care doctor told me to take "Saw Palmetto" which I have been averse to doing because it can artificially lower PSA numbers. I get my latest results Wednesday, and intend to press the Urologist to allow me to try it. He was not enthusiastic last visit, but since the PSA numbers may be the result of prostatitis or BPH, I think it is worth a shot.

Again, thanks for the help.