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is an increase in PSA from 14.8 to 15.8 significant

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User
Posted 21 Dec 2024 at 10:29

 First time poster seeking knowledge...

Is a jump in PSA from 14.8 to 15.8 significant?

Some background

   When brother informed me that he had been diagnosed with Prostate Cancer, I thought I ought to get tested.
A PSA test revealed I had a reading of 14.8 : Rectal exam was normal, but I was referred for an MRI.
The MRI was result PI-RADS 4 with T2C : 

   My next appointment was for a Biopsy : 18 cores were taken ; 4 showed signs of cancer ; the cancer is in both lobes. Gleason score of 6 (3+3)

As the cancer was contained within the Prostate, I was offered the three usual options ; Active surveillance, Surgery or Radiotherapy.

Not wanting to undergo an unnecessary procedure I opted for AS (PSA test every 3 months and an MRI at 6 months).

My first 3 monthly PSA test showed an increase from 14.3 to 15.8.

Hence my question -- is this increase significant : Is it time I considered my two other options ??

=============

Just to add -- I have NO symptoms !

 

==========

A note of praise for the NHS - Given the result of my first PSA test, I was put on the 'Two Week Highway'.
Doctors Rectal, MRI and Biopsy were each a week apart !!

Alan

p.s. - thanks in advance !!

Edited by member 21 Dec 2024 at 17:25  | Reason: changes to PSA figure

User
Posted 21 Dec 2024 at 13:36

Hi Alan.

Sorry that you've had to join us but welcome to the forum, mate. Your PSA is quite elevated but your Gleason score is low. 

I did a thread on T2c disease and active survelliance.

https://community.prostatecanceruk.org/posts/t29997-T2c-disease-and-active-surveillance

 

User
Posted 21 Dec 2024 at 13:52

I have two friends on active surveillance, both with PSA readings fluctuating by quite a big margin in the mid teens. I would not be worried about that increase. Only if they consistently keep increasing (or MRI shows more) should you start to think about treatment.

Dave

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User
Posted 21 Dec 2024 at 13:36

Hi Alan.

Sorry that you've had to join us but welcome to the forum, mate. Your PSA is quite elevated but your Gleason score is low. 

I did a thread on T2c disease and active survelliance.

https://community.prostatecanceruk.org/posts/t29997-T2c-disease-and-active-surveillance

 

User
Posted 21 Dec 2024 at 13:52

I have two friends on active surveillance, both with PSA readings fluctuating by quite a big margin in the mid teens. I would not be worried about that increase. Only if they consistently keep increasing (or MRI shows more) should you start to think about treatment.

Dave

User
Posted 21 Dec 2024 at 15:24

Hi,  the doubling rate is around 21 months which isn't bad.  I guess it depends on when you decide it's gone far enough.  I read that up to 20 is suitable for AS in certain conditions so it's likely you'll be looking at treatment within a year.

Are you fairly fit and have they said the option of an operation will remain open as they can start to look harder when you get mid 70s.   Older people have radiotherapy more often for that reason.

Some people are more relaxed about it than others.  The MRI in mid year should be useful and you might decide if it's better to have treatment in summer or winter considering what you read about hospitals in winter.  Peter

User
Posted 21 Dec 2024 at 17:24

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

Hi,  the doubling rate is around 21 months which isn't bad.  I guess it depends on when you decide it's gone far enough.  I read that up to 20 is suitable for AS in certain conditions so it's likely you'll be looking at treatment within a year.

Are you fairly fit and have they said the option of an operation will remain open as they can start to look harder when you get mid 70s.   Older people have radiotherapy more often for that reason.

Some people are more relaxed about it than others.  The MRI in mid year should be useful and you might decide if it's better to have treatment in summer or winter considering what you read about hospitals in winter.  Peter

 

I should have said - I have NO  symptoms...

Fit? - yes, play golf three times a week and going skiing in February !! :)

 

They have said all options are available :: pretty much left the decision to me!

I'm due an MRI in April (+ a PSA test) - I'm inclined to wait for those results..

  Although my urology nurse has arranged an appointment for me with a Consultant in January - will see what he thinks..

 

Many thanks for replies -- I  feel reassured :)

Edited by member 21 Dec 2024 at 17:26  | Reason: spelling !

User
Posted 21 Dec 2024 at 17:40

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

Hi Alan.

Sorry that you've had to join us but welcome to the forum, mate. Your PSA is quite elevated but your Gleason score is low. 

I did a thread on T2c disease and active survelliance.

https://community.prostatecanceruk.org/posts/t29997-T2c-disease-and-active-surveillance

 

 

Interesting thread - I have got some 'light' reading to do tonight !

 
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