How does a PSA test work if prostate is removed?

I know this was asked before but I couldn't find it.

Debib:

If prostate is removed and the surgery is successful the PSA will remain undetectable.  If, however, the surgery was not successful and the cancer returns the PSA will begin to rise.  This actually applies to any of the treatment modalities except that they may not have nadirs of 0.00.

Dutch

Good Question....

PSA stands for prostate specific antigen. An antigen is simply a protien secreted by
prostate cell. Prostate cells that are cancerous sectete more antigen. Hence elevated psa.
When prostate is removed, cancer cells
and it's "bound" Psa can be left behind. This can lead to recurrent PCa that can take years or days to become metastatic.
Hope that helps.

Vet
Diagnosis12/3/05 T3b Gleason 9
PSA May 29th '07....01

Debib,

Here's an excerpt from Brady Urology Institute report,

'PSA is very sensitive in detecting any recurrence of cancer. That's because only prostate cells make PSA -- so if it goes up after a radical prostatectomy, it means prostate cells are still present somewhere. For all intents and purposes, it means that a few cells escaped the prostate before it was removed, and now have grown to the point where they're producing enough PSA to be detected,'' explains Walsh.

The complete paper can be found here,


http://www.phoenix5.org/Basics/psaPostSurgery.html

Hope this helps,

Dave M.

---

Age: 52

11/10/2006

PSA 10.2 - Discovered during Annual Physical with Family Doctor

Referred to Urologist Surgeon specialist

Free and total PSA - 10.9

Biopsy ( sent to John Hopkins pathology) - 2 of 16 positive on left and right apex of prostate

Left - GS 3+3=6, Right - GS 3+3=6

Davinci assisted laparoscopy radical prostatectomy on Apr. 17, 2007 -Complications due to extreme unusual size of prostate. Normal Prostate = 20 to 31 grams. Mine = 120 grams (not enlarged, but genetic growth large)

Nerves on right side spared.

All Lab's clear. No Cancer outside prostate

Cystogram Apr. 24 2007- Slight leakage at anastomosi negligible.

Catheter in for 1 week Removed Apr. 24, 2007

May 30th, First post-op PSA results...Non-Detectable!