With just this piece of information alone…I would answer that a PSA test result of 10 means that you should set up an appointment with a urologist to look further into what caused this result. The value of 10 is above the normal range.
Without assuming too much or too little in my response, let me note that you have come, today, to a prostate cancer (PC) discussion board site to ask this question, so you are probably aware that the sole purpose that the PSA tests exists is to be an early indicator for PC. In the early stages PC is silent, and there are no symptoms and no early warning signals…that’s why the PSA test was invented. Unfortunately, it is not a perfect PC test, and it there may be other causes for a high PSA result.
The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is actually an enzyme produced by the prostate tissue and measured in the bloodstream. Cancerous prostate tissue produces PSA at a rate of 20 times faster than healthy tissue. However, other prostate issues may also elevate one’s PSA result.
In men generally considered in the lower-end of the high range (4 to 10), most commonly an infection called prostatitis or another non-cancerous problem called BPH has caused the high reading, and less commonly it is due to PC. (Statistically, only about 25% tested in that PSA range end up with PC.) Furthermore, sexual arousal/activity also results in the natural (temporary) increase in production of PSA. It is generally recommended to abstain from sex for 48 hours prior to a PSA test; if you didn’t do this, you should tell your doctor. In fact, some doctors suggest that even riding a bicycle, scooter or motorcycle will “massage” the prostate and stimulate a higher rate of PSA production (due to the location of the gland, just inside one’s crotch area).
The key is that a high PSA result is a “warning flag” to look into the cause. More information is needed by a urologist to make a clear diagnosis. Any past PSA test results will be valuable and important information to share with a urologist. Your age? Any history of PC in your family? Also, the standard assessment includes a DRE, a digital rectal exam…the finger probe to feel the surface of the prostate. Depending on how things turn out, the doctor might eventually recommend a biopsy, which is the definitive test for PC. PSA test is not a test for PC, it is only a possible early indicator...but if PC is caught early, one has the widest range of possible treatment options and the highest likelihood for complete "cure."
This site has got lots of guys who have been diagnosed with PC and will share their personal experiences, if and when the time comes. I recommend using the high PSA result as a “warning flag” that your further action is needed...take that result to a urologist. Let us know the results of that doctor's visit, and we can help interpret the layman's understanding of that meeting.
best wishes…
Last edited by kcon; 07-04-2009 at 06:37 AM.
Reason: added: "Let us know..."
With just this piece of information alone…I would answer that a PSA test result of 10 means that you should set up an appointment with a urologist to look further into what caused this result. The value of 10 is above the normal range.
Without assuming too much or too little in my response, let me note that you have come, today, to a prostate cancer (PC) discussion board site to ask this question, so you are probably aware that the sole purpose that the PSA tests exists is to be an early indicator for PC. In the early stages PC is silent, and there are no symptoms and no early warning signals…that’s why the PSA test was invented. Unfortunately, it is not a perfect PC test, and it there may be other causes for a high PSA result.
The prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is actually an enzyme produced by the prostate tissue and measured in the bloodstream. Cancerous prostate tissue produces PSA at a rate of 20 times faster than healthy tissue. However, other prostate issues may also elevate one’s PSA result.
In men generally considered in the lower-end of the high range (4 to 10), most commonly an infection called prostatitis or another non-cancerous problem called BPH has caused the high reading, and less commonly it is due to PC. (Statistically, only about 25% tested in that PSA range end up with PC.) Furthermore, sexual arousal/activity also results in the natural (temporary) increase in production of PSA. It is generally recommended to abstain from sex for 48 hours prior to a PSA test; if you didn’t do this, you should tell your doctor. In fact, some doctors suggest that even riding a bicycle, scooter or motorcycle will “massage” the prostate and stimulate a higher rate of PSA production (due to the location of the gland, just inside one’s crotch area).
The key is that a high PSA result is a “warning flag” to look into the cause. More information is needed by a urologist to make a clear diagnosis. Any past PSA test results will be valuable and important information to share with a urologist. Your age? Any history of PC in your family? Also, the standard assessment includes a DRE, a digital rectal exam…the finger probe to feel the surface of the prostate. Depending on how things turn out, the doctor might eventually recommend a biopsy, which is the definitive test for PC. PSA test is not a test for PC, it is only a possible early indicator...but if PC is caught early, one has the widest range of possible treatment options and the highest likelihood for complete "cure."
This site has got lots of guys who have been diagnosed with PC and will share their personal experiences, if and when the time comes. I recommend using the high PSA result as a “warning flag” that your further action is needed...take that result to a urologist. Let us know the results of that doctor's visit, and we can help interpret the layman's understanding of that meeting.
best wishes…
I had radiation therpy for prostate cancer 10years ago and my oncologist monitors my condition every year.With a reading of 10 psa wouldI need to go on hormonal replacement therpy?
I had radiation therpy for prostate cancer 10years ago and my oncologist monitors my condition every year.With a reading of 10 psa wouldI need to go on hormonal replacement therpy?
Ahhh... That's a lot more background info. I was assuming you were a newbie...not at all the case. I imagine that you have a history of PSA scores over the last 10 years leading up to your most current one. What's the history been? Have you been undergoing any other therapy since radiation 10 years ago?
Ahhh... That's a lot more background info. I was assuming you were a newbie...not at all the case. I imagine that you have a history of PSA scores over the last 10 years leading up to your most current one. What's the history been? Have you been undergoing any other therapy since radiation 10 years ago?
Thank you for your messages.I have not had any treatment in the last 10 years.The doctor has me under watchful waiting.
robvin
....I have not had any treatment in the last 10 years.The doctor has me under watchful waiting.
robvin
Hello robvin,
As kcon said, more information would help regarding your question whether it's time to go on hormonal therapy now that your PSA is 10 for a recurrence of prostate cancer after radiation therapy ten years ago.
In addition to knowing the PSA scores/dates to get a fix on the PSA doubling time, key factors include your age, overall health and life expectancy. Depending on where you stand, it could make sense to continue waiting and not switching to hormonal therapy, or it could make sense to start hormonal therapy.
Here are some other possible options. We usually think of heavy duty drugs when we think of hormonal therapy, but, if your recurrence is mild, it's possible that a mild drug like Avodart or finasteride might slow, stop or even reverse that rise in PSA. It's also possible that a lifestyle program could do the trick, or at least help (diet/nutrition/supplements, exercise, and stress reduction). For instance, there is evidence for many nutritional items, with some excitement about quality pomegranate juice or extract, and vitamin D3. Also, statin drugs help prevent lethal prostate cancer, especially when used for three years and more.
