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Ellevated PSA reading

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Posted 6/22/2009 11:35 AM (GMT -8)
Hello all

I recently had a PSA reading, the lab came back with a score of 57 - took it to the docs, he was scratching his head and advised me to get another test - awaiting results - he did a DRE but could not find anything.

I realise PSA readings can fluctuate and depends on many things - I am a vegetarian (30 plus years) have been very fit (used to be a triathlete), non-smoker non drinker, daily swimmer etc, aged 62

Has anyone else had a similar experience?

Many thanks

 

Posted 6/22/2009 11:44 AM (GMT -8)
Hi desertman ~ from Las Vegas,
Welcome to HealingWell. Should tests require a biopsy, you have come to the best place on the web to share and receive information on prostate cancer. I am sorry to say that a PSA of 57 would be the highest I have seen that wasn't prostate cancer, but still, I have seen many surprises with this disease. Some that have worked out very well. Do you have any history in your family with PCa? If so, you can be as fit as a fiddle and still be high risk for a positive test. Much has been argued about exercise and diet, but in two and a half years, I have seen it not matter for much. Simply put, if it's in the genes it's in the genes. Out of curiousity, when was your last PSA test?

Tony
Posted 6/22/2009 12:04 PM (GMT -8)
Hello and many thanks for your reply.

My original first PSA test was just over a month ago, and my recent test was last friday - I should get the results by wednesday.
As far as I am aware there is no PC in my family but will be checking on that.
Searching around, I have seen PSA's of 140 and more...
Who knows!?
I will let you know the results
Posted 6/22/2009 12:16 PM (GMT -8)
I don't think I understand why you went to a location other than your doctor/urologist's office to have the test and why you had to bring the results back to the doctor/urologist's office rather than the laboratory communicating directly with the doctor/urologist.  Test results do differ by laboratory, because no one protocol is employed when doing the analysis - this is something commented on at this forum from time-to-time.   Given the high score being suggested, I'll be surprised to learn that your physician hasn't already gotten you an appointment with a good urologist in your area.  The "get another test" suggestion from your doctor would worry me, also - because that physician should probably be drawing the blood in the office and managing the process.
Posted 6/22/2009 12:41 PM (GMT -8)
Hi
The first test was part of a 'well being' health screening at the university where I work - when the results came back the clinic suggested I see my doc - the lab that do the tests happen to be the same lab used by my GP, hence why the suggestion for a re-test etc
Thus both tests will have been carried out by the same lab - we will see what transpires!!
Hope that clarifies the situation
Posted 6/22/2009 12:45 PM (GMT -8)
Thanks for the clarification. 
Posted 6/22/2009 12:52 PM (GMT -8)
desertman,
while your lifestyle is commendable, none of that diretly will keep you from having or not having PC, or any other kind of cancer. if you get another reading in that range, and your dr. doesn't feel like it's related to non-cancerous prostate problems, then I would opt for a biopsy as soon as possible. As far as DRE, I wish it was as easy as that being a positive test for PC, but it isnt. I had about 10 DRE's and 3 biopsies performed before my PC was official, and I too had a steady rising PSA, with no other symptoms of prostate problems. Hopefully, your next PSA test will be at least consistent with the others, and the next step can be determined. Hoping the best for you.

david in sc
Posted 6/22/2009 12:59 PM (GMT -8)
You should get to a good urologist as soon as possible. You dont need the results of the new test to start looking and making appointments.
Posted 6/22/2009 2:32 PM (GMT -8)
If your psa does come back at 57 I would skip the urologist and go directly to a prostate oncologist. They understand more about psa and PC than any urologist ever will.

JohnT
Posted 6/22/2009 2:34 PM (GMT -8)
John,
He needs a biopsy first. It could be a severe case of UTI.

Tony
Posted 6/22/2009 2:36 PM (GMT -8)
I agree with you Tony on this one.
Posted 6/22/2009 6:22 PM (GMT -8)
I'll third that motion. Get a biopsy. I just had a follow up with my URO (haven't seen him in a while, --I do my six months check ups with my oncologist). He said because of me he has changed his protocol for elevated PSA. Normally, when you come in with a really high PSA (see my sig), they'll put you on anti-biotics for a month and re-take. He said he stopped doing that because when I went back in after the antio-biotics, my PSA had jumped to 39. He said his philosphy in medicine is to manage for the worse case scenario and try to beat it. Makes sense. GOOD LUCK!
Posted 6/24/2009 10:05 AM (GMT -8)
hello all
Many thanks for your comments
I had the 2nd PSA test back today - and taking into account I had a rectal a few days prior to the test it came back as 65.4 - however I note the ug/l reading was <4.5 UG/L which I understand is just over the 'cut off' for my age - does anyone know how they score the readings of 65 for example from this?
Anyway, I am being referred to a urologist for further testing - will let you know the outcome
H
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