Prostate Biopsy

My husband is 51. First PSA was done in 2005 during a routine physical with a reading of 2.5. Since then, he has noticed decrease in force during urination, decrease in semen during sex and other changes I have attributed to normal aging. During a physical in Jan. 2008 had a DRE with no palpable abnormalilities other than Dr. remarked that he had a large prostate (which had been said by other Dr.s as well in 2005 and in Jan. 2008 during colonoscopy) & PSA of 3. Dr. prescribed antibiotics and retested blood. Results were 3.3. *Between the 2 tests my husband discontinued taking Saw Palmetto, which he has taken for several yearsand we had sex the night before the second test. Since then have read that both could cause an elevation of  PSA levels. Now Dr. has ordered a Biopsy. We are hesitant to go right to a biopsy due to all the controversy and are wondering about the new PCA3 test, the free PSA vs total PSA and since his prostate is large, the consideration of PSA density test. Are we micro-managing our Urologist and should we just go ahead with the biopsy or be persistant with requesting more tests?

yeah, it does seem given those levels and velocity the chances seem slim for cancer, however there are alot of agressive cancers with a PSA < 4.  Remember, urologists do biopsies and surgery.  Its how they get paid, however you have a right to seek other avenues.  What would he recommend if he did the biopsy and the Gleason was normal or inconclusive?  A free PSA, PCA3 or repeat PSA's over several months are all options to avoid a biopsy.  I would definately ask about them.

The larger a prostate is, the more PSA is produced, which often accounts for elevated PSAs.

I agree that a free PSA test would be worthwhile: depending on the result you could then consider whether to proceed with anything further.

My husband is the same age. He had been diagnosed with an enlarged prostate as well a couple of years ago. He was having problems with a weak stream and having to get up at night as well. The doctors he went to told him it was enlarged but normal for his age.

We decided to go to a different doctor last July. His PSA was 4 something and the doctor put him on antibiotics too. It only lowered the PSA to I think 3.5. The Dr. suggested a biopsy. We were and are still a little scared about that. Some say it can cause the cancer to spread. Anyway it did show cancer. We went and had the HIFU done in Cancun in Nov. Spent many days crying before God pointed me in that direction. Anyway he should have the results from his 3month PSA tomorrow. We are hoping for the best!

As far as the biopsy I can only tell you that if there is no cancer it won't hurt anything anyway and if there is cancer you need to know!

Debbie

 Going thru this at the moment with my husband. original psa 4 next 7 and antibiotics, held steady for a year.  Jumped to 20, more antibiotics and natural treatment dropped to 17.  I wanted him to do the biopsy a year ago, along with the doc. He had the same concerns, spread of cancer thru biopsy etc. We did biopsy in January Cancer.  Now he says "I wish I had the biopsy done earlier" Still going thru the process.  I would go back on the Saw palmetto, or there is a all in one prostate Called Prostate defense, all natural but high in the Saw Palmetto dept. 

 www.northstarvitamins.com  found here. Try this for 30 days and have another psa and see what happens.  Swollen prostates often have to have botox also before they can be treated. See if you can get it down and psa down.  If not I would go ahead with the biopsy in a couple of months , it appears you have time but be careful..All the best. I have done a lot of study/research and the Proton beam has the least side effects if one elects treatment, should they have cancer. mms

On 2/12/2008 MTNester wrote:

My husband is 51. First PSA was done in 2005 during a routine physical with a reading of 2.5. Since then, he has noticed decrease in force during urination, decrease in semen during sex and other changes I have attributed to normal aging. During a physical in Jan. 2008 had a DRE with no palpable abnormalilities other than Dr. remarked that he had a large prostate (which had been said by other Dr.s as well in 2005 and in Jan. 2008 during colonoscopy) & PSA of 3. Dr. prescribed antibiotics and retested blood. Results were 3.3. *Between the 2 tests my husband discontinued taking Saw Palmetto, which he has taken for several yearsand we had sex the night before the second test. Since then have read that both could cause an elevation of  PSA levels. Now Dr. has ordered a Biopsy. We are hesitant to go right to a biopsy due to all the controversy and are wondering about the new PCA3 test, the free PSA vs total PSA and since his prostate is large, the consideration of PSA density test. Are we micro-managing our Urologist and should we just go ahead with the biopsy or be persistant with requesting more tests?

 

Hi

Don't rush to get biopsy. For all the reasons you listed. It's no walk in the park. Take the PSA in a month. No sex 3 days prior to it. If it is 4 or higher and you've been on antibiotics for a month to treat possible prostate infection, then consider it.

I strongly disagree about putting off a biopsy.  TAKE THE TEST & FIND OUT FOR SURE.  I urged a friend of mine who was having the same syptoms, he took my advise, come to find out he had a PSA of 1.4, and a Gleeson 8. He had RP with follow up radiation.  Everyday you wait, you give the cancer cells more time to spread, if there is a cancer. JUST FIND OUT!!

GOOD LUCK, BEST WISHES FOR NO CANCER.

Hi

      Anyone who knows this cancer ,knows that 95% of the cases are slow growing. Where does it say to run out and get a biopsy with a PSA of 3 and a negative DRE. Give me a break.

This is either a DR. or someone who hasn't had the wonderful experiance of a needle gun shoved up his rectrum.

Thanks for the response from the "Peanut Gallery"!

Don't believe I was talking to you, but thanks for your rude & Imature response.

Slow Growing?  That's true, most are, that means SOME are NOT!

Don't bother to respond, I try to stay away from such judgemental people like yourself.