PSA tests and Prostate biopsy...what to expect.

[Musketeer]

Has anyone here had one? My PSA test has risen from 1.5 to 3.3 and my doctor has recommended I get a prostate biopsy from a Urologist.

Has anyone gone through this procedure? I've read conflicting articles regarding this procedure that it can cause pain, bleeding, infection, and sexual dysfunction.

The recent loss of Mark Dailey to prostate cancer and the well publicized prostate cancer of Jack Layton has me concerned.

Any recommendations for a good Urologist? Thanks!

 

[dagwood69]

yes been down that road and it has saved my life up to now,,The biopsy? yes its hell but you have to do it. Expect mild bleeding for a few days, and yes you can still have sex. even if you have to go through radiation therapy. Princess Margaret and Sunnybrook have 2 of the best cancer treatment centers in the world,,,Most important final thought ,,,discuss all your options and choose wisely its your life,,,,

 

[toughb]

yes been down that road and it has saved my life up to now,,The biopsy? yes its hell but you have to do it. Expect mild bleeding for a few days, and yes you can still have sex. even if you have to go through radiation therapy. Princess Margaret and Sunnybrook have 2 of the best cancer treatment centers in the world,,,Most important final thought ,,,discuss all your options and choose wisely its your life,,,,

Good advice but don't get ahead of yourself. Take things one step at a time. An example would be radiation. Who knows if you require it so don't sweat it.

I'm serious when I say pain vs. loss of life is nothing.

Go for it and good luck.

 

[danmand]

Your numbers seem low:

PSA test results show the level of PSA detected in the blood. The PSA level that is considered normal for an average man ranges from 0 to 4 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml). A PSA level of 4 to 10 ng/ml is considered slightly elevated; levels between 10 and 20 ng/ml are considered moderately elevated; and anything greater is considered highly elevated. But because various factors can cause PSA levels to fluctuate, one abnormal PSA test does not necessarily indicate that cancer is present.

 

[papasmerf]

Killed my dad but only after 12 years and treatment.

 

[peteeey]

Biopsy doesn't just detect prostate cancer. I had one and they discovered and enlarged prostate, treatable by medication.

Test wasn't painful at all. They put me under. No pain afterward either. Only the nuisance of bleeding for a few days. Prepare yourself by buying more underwear.

 

[Rockslinger]

Your numbers seem low:

This is true but I think his doctor is alarmed at the dramatic increase from 1.5 to 3.3 in short time period.

 

[dagwood69]

i had 10 samples and out of 10 1 was detected as positive. As far as timing goes it depends what stage you are rated at. Stage 1 is earliest and has the best chance at survival. Stage 4 is serious and needs to be dealt with asap. Your treatment will depend on what your oncologist has decided based on your report and your health history. People with suspected heart problems are discouraged from operation and radiation either braec or direct seems the best route to go. I,ve been cured by the radiation, I,ve had recent bonescans and so far 3 years and counting for me,,,Will I ever get the disease again?...I live 1 day at a time and never think about it,,,

 

[danmand]

This is true but I think his doctor is alarmed at the dramatic increase from 1.5 to 3.3 in short time period.

That is likely what caused the referral, if not the age? The number naturally increases with age. But the test itself is quiite inaccurate. I had a difference of 1.5 between the test here and at the Mayo clinic 3 weeks later.

 

[sleazure]

That is likely what caused the referral, if not the age? The number naturally increases with age. But the test itself is quiite inaccurate. I had a difference of 1.5 between the test here and at the Mayo clinic 3 weeks later.

I'm still bitter that OHIP won't cover my PSAs, even if it is only $30.00.

One of the issues is that it has more false positives than true positives. This means that the odds are still in your favor. Sure, this is serious business, but the biopsy is just a routine precaution. You'll probably be okay.

 

[Bif_Butkiss]

The test can be as simple as having some blood drawn. While OHIP does not cover the original cost of the test if your specialist gives you the form that says he is monitoring your "condition" then OHIP will cover any future tests that the doctor requires. Normally a follow up routine can be a blood test every 6 months for about 2 years then once a year after that.

I had a bit of a scare when my doc found my PSA levels were dramatically high a few years ago. He sent me to a Urologist and after some blood tests, a few "uncomfortable" exams and a prescribed diet high in processed tomatoes and green tea (of all things) my PSA levels are back to normal with no sign of any further problems...... at this time.

Good luck.

 

[dagwood69]

pomegranate and cranberry juice are excellent as is Brocolli, blueberries,,,,

 

[Twister]

I thought psa is debunked...I heard its not reliable and my Doc dosen't want me to take it anymore....

 

[peteeey]

It's not a specific reading that matters. It's the monitoring of the readings. If you're at a certain level for X amount of time and then it suddenly rises, then there's cause for concern.

I thought psa is debunked...I heard its not reliable and my Doc dosen't want me to take it anymore....

 

[papasmerf]

I thought psa is debunked...I heard its not reliable and my Doc dosen't want me to take it anymore....

Maybe your doc just does not like ya

 

[The Saint]

I found the Biopsy no problem ,but I was not fully out when they started and didn't like the feel of the camera being shoved up my penis though it would be interesting to see in 3D on the Imax screen !

 

[train]

Your numbers seem low:

PSA test results show the level of PSA detected in the blood. The PSA level that is considered normal for an average man ranges from 0 to 4 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml). A PSA level of 4 to 10 ng/ml is considered slightly elevated; levels between 10 and 20 ng/ml are considered moderately elevated; and anything greater is considered highly elevated. But because various factors can cause PSA levels to fluctuate, one abnormal PSA test does not necessarily indicate that cancer is present.

That was my thought as well. A second opinion from someone at Princess margaret rather than just a family physician wouldn't hurt.

 

[oldjones]

That was my thought as well. A second opinion from someone at Princess margaret rather than just a family physician wouldn't hurt.

I had an ultrasound/biopsy at PMHthat took maybe a half-dozen needle-core samples (memory's foggy; it was more than a few years back). One guy on the probe, another on the screen, me on my side on the table in a hospital gown. They were very assured and competent and the procedure was efficient, methodical and soon over; I was dressed about three-quarters of an hour after they booked me in. Results all good very soon after (not While-U-Wait tho') and no recovery issues at all.

But it was not comfortable: They coulda used some Lanacaine™ on the probe as well as/instead of the lube, but had none, and when they triggered the spring-loaded needle (takes a core, the diameter of a hypodermic a fraction of a cm. long) it 'kicked' and stung way inside in an unpleasant way, which seemed to surprise them. So I tensed up and they had a harder job. But it really wasn't any worse than minor injections, just completely unfamiliar. If I had to do it again, I'd be asking if something like Tylenol3 or 222s ahead of time is OK.

And investing in a tube of Lanacaine may pay off. Best of luck.

 

[Possum Trot]

That is likely what caused the referral, if not the age? The number naturally increases with age. But the test itself is quiite inaccurate. I had a difference of 1.5 between the test here and at the Mayo clinic 3 weeks later.

You are right it's the change rather than the raw score but an increase of 2 or 3 is hardly dramatic when the total score is under 5 and as you say can be a sample error. I'd be tempted wait another 2 months and get another blood test. In the meantime regular prostate massages are recommended

 

[bobber]

Your numbers seem low:

PSA test results show the level of PSA detected in the blood. The PSA level that is considered normal for an average man ranges from 0 to 4 nanograms per milliliter (ng/ml). A PSA level of 4 to 10 ng/ml is considered slightly elevated; levels between 10 and 20 ng/ml are considered moderately elevated; and anything greater is considered highly elevated. But because various factors can cause PSA levels to fluctuate, one abnormal PSA test does not necessarily indicate that cancer is present.

My numbers were low as well but my numbers doubled like yours in a 2 year period. Had the biopsy done (uncomfortable with some bleeding afterward) and cancer was discovered. I had the surgery done by an excellent surgeon and have been cancer free for 8 years now. It took about a year, but I was able to get it up again and have had no problem satifying the ladies since.

Get the tests done! If the cancer spreads, the likely place is into the spine, and that is a very painful way to die.