PSA Blood Test Results

User

Posted 21 Feb 2020 at 07:29

Hi.

My name is Mark. I am a healthy 52 year old with no history of major health issues.

This week I had my bi-annual medical with work, my first involving any discussion around PSA tests. These medicals have always involved a digital rectal examination and this time (as with every other), the doctor found no cause for concern. I never have trouble passing urine and could answer every question asked which looks for symptoms with an answer which suggests I'm fine.

I received a call yesterday from the clinic telling me that my PSA test has come back showing an elevated level higher than the average for a man of my age - mine was coming in at just over 4, average is apparently 3. Having read a few posts on this forum, I can see that there are a lot of higher numbers than mine.

The clinic has put me forward for a referral which I intend to take up, but I am really upset by what I have heard. I was wondering if any other members have had the same sort of experience and been worried for what amounts to be for very little.

Any feedback would be welcome.

Thanks

Mark

User

Posted 21 Feb 2020 at 10:44

Hello Mark,

I was 50 when I was offered a PSA check. Mine also came back a "little over" 4, at 4.6. The DRE didn't find anything but like you I was also referred to the local urology dept for further investigation.

Again another DRE, nothing untowards. The view of the consultant was that it was unlikely to be cancer (only a 20% chance) so he offered the options to repeat the PSA in another 3 months and have a further review or have a biopsy. Postponing the biopsy in his view wouldn't affect the eventual outcome either. At that time mRI scanning wasn't the "norm".

So, I wouldn't be unduly worried at this stage. You seem to be in good hands.

Flexi

Edited by member 21 Feb 2020 at 10:52 | Reason: Not specified

User

Posted 21 Feb 2020 at 13:12

Thanks David

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User

Posted 21 Feb 2020 at 08:45

There are men here who had PSA of nearly 100 but no cancer, the highest PSA score at diagnosis on here was 13,000 although our urologist once had a patient presenting with 160,000. On the other hand, my husband's had already spread to his bladder at 3.1 and Si_Ness had mets all over his body with an initial PSA of 3.6

Your PSA is a little higher than it should be for your age - this simply means that further exploration is needed.

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User

Posted 21 Feb 2020 at 09:50

You are very lucky that your employer takes your health so seriously. What are you, an astronaut or fighter pilot or something?😉

A PSA of around 4 is about right for your age, but could ideally be lower. Is this your first ever PSA result, or does it show an increase from the last test?

You are quite right to take the matter further, which will most likely involve a consultation with a urologist and another D.R.E., possibly followed by an mpMRI scan.

I’m sure you’re in very good hands.

Best of luck.

Cheers, John.

User

Posted 21 Feb 2020 at 10:32

Hi Mark,

The PSA Blood test is far from being an exact science and is really only an indicator that there may be an issue and further investigation is required. My advice to you is get as much investigation done as possible should it be DRE, MRI scan or biopsy that’s the only way to find out what is going on. My Urologist told me that you could have a PSA of 1 and have prostrate cancer.

There is an abundance of info and advice on this website.

All the best.

David

User

Posted 21 Feb 2020 at 10:44

Hello Mark,

So, I wouldn't be unduly worried at this stage. You seem to be in good hands.

Flexi

Edited by member 21 Feb 2020 at 10:52 | Reason: Not specified

User

Posted 21 Feb 2020 at 11:04

Thanks for your reply John.

Alas nothing as glamorous but yes I am very lucky that I have the company health plan to make sure I get checked

This was my first check of PSA as it was my first medical since turning 50. Had DREs before all fine. I guess they are doing their job by telling you to refer to specialist but it is still hugely worrying even though I could be considered to be “normal”

Lets see what comes up but thank you for sharing and taking the tome to post

Mark

User

Posted 21 Feb 2020 at 11:05

Thanks David

User

Posted 21 Feb 2020 at 11:29

Thanks David

User

Posted 21 Feb 2020 at 12:45

Of course the first thing your urologist will want to know is your current PSA level, so make sure you have another test before any consultation.

Cheers, John.

User

Posted 21 Feb 2020 at 13:12

Thanks David

User

Posted 21 Feb 2020 at 13:26

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

A PSA of around 4 is about right for your age, but could ideally be lower.

Cheers, John.

For a man of 50, the upper limit of 'normal' is 3.1.

4.0 would be the upper limit of 'normal' for a man in his 60s.

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User

Posted 21 Feb 2020 at 16:43

PSA results have many false-positives. 75% of men with elevated PSA have no cancer. So MRI scan would be likely to clear you.

PSA gradient is a more reliable indicator. So if your PSA has increased significantly over the last 6 months, then it is more of a concern.

In either case, it is well worth getting it checked. My own experience is that NHS prostate cancer triage is fast and efficient. Some London hospitals, (e.g. UCLH, and the Royal Free) run a one stop cancer triage service, where you have the MRI in the morning followed my a consultation where a nurse will go over the result and hopefully clear you. Most hospitals aim to give you a diagnosis within 2 weeks of referral.

Best of luck!

Edited by member 21 Feb 2020 at 17:08 | Reason: Not specified

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