My husband's PSA level jumped over a six month period. The urologist wants to do prostrate biopsy but can't schedule it until Jan. 19 of next year. The test results came through on Dec. 2. This seems like a long time to wait for a biopsy in case there is actually a more serious problem.
Since the previous PSA test six months back my husband has blood clots in his lung and is now on cumadin. Does anyone know if the blood clots and medication would have had any affect on his PSA level and what is anyone opinion in getting a second opinion and a biopsy sooner that later? Thanks.
Nadine832
I guess a couple questions are in order. How old is your husband? Did he have a + DRE ? PSA levels are specific to the prostate. Coumadin would have no effect, although other things can cause false positives. Thats why the biopsy is in order. I wouldnt be too concerned about rushing the biopsy. Just get it as soon as you can. Prostate cancer is slow growing and many men survive with it for years. Actually a PSA rise from 2.5 to 3.5 in 6 months doesnt seem that bad. It needs to be checked, but I wouldnt worry too much, just yet.
what is a DRE? My husband is 61 and is recovering from blood clots in the lung. he also uses Androgel and I wonder since he was off of it for a month then back on if that would have affected the PSA level. Thanks for the response.
Nadine832
a Digital Rectal Exan (DRE)is the initial screening tool that alerts doctors to the possibility of prostate cancer. What made anyone even suspect he had prostate cancer? The Androgel would definately cause prostate cancer to grow and the PSA to rise, IF he actually has prostate cancer. The PSA can rise with age even if you dont have cancer. Doctors are more concerned about PSA velocity (how fast it rises) or PSA doubleing time (how fast it doubles). At any rate a biopsy should clear all that up.
To start with, you are to be commended for intervening on your husband behalf and being proactive instead of reactive to a test, which could mean nothing.
With the information you have provided, the advise you have received is excellent. There are so many patient history questions. Family PC history; brothers, father, uncles, grandparents? Additionally, who performs your husband’s biopsy and what equipment they use is very important. A Color Doppler Guided Ultrasound is the best procedure in the hands of a good radiologist. Why color? Because it helps show the vascularization of a tumor if one is noted.
Since I live in Southern California, I can recommend the best (according to the PC support groups I attend) in the Western United States, or if you live Midwest, his old partner is considered to be equally as good, has a practice in the Twin Cities area.
As a survivor of a procedure myself, I can tell you what you need to do for yourself and your husband is purchase: A Primer on Prostate Cancer: The Empowered Patient's Guide by Dr. Stephen Strum, the single most respected person in the field of counseling PC patients on their options.
Knowledge is power, good luck with your journey
Hello Nadine,
Why was your husband on androgel? That is used to promote testosterone production if the level is too low, but as you may know, prostate cancer thrives on testosterone, actually on the altered form, DHT, Dihydrotestosterone. The primary focus of androgen suppression therapy, such as the use of Lupron, is to reduce the testes production of testosterone and thereby starve the cancer cells. Lupron acts on the pituitary gland to stop it from sending a signal to the testes to produce testosterone, but the adrenal glands sitting on the kidneys also produce some testosterone, and they are not affected by this signal. For total androgen blockage, Casodex can be used in conjunction with Lupron. Casodex binds first with the cancer cell receptors and therefore blocks the additional supply of testosterone from binding with the cancer cells. I am on such therapy. I also had surgery which did not get it all. Surgery can be a cure if it gets it all, and radiation can also cure it, but it also has side effects. To do nothing is not an appropriate option. Anything that stimulates the prostate gland COULD result in a higher PSA reading. The only way to determine whether or not cancer is present is with a biopsy, and that is rather easy to endure. Been there, done that. Your husband can easily wait until January 19th.
Jim