I'm interested in conversations about and I want to talk about
Know exactly what you want?
Show search

Notification

Error

PSA of 6 and abnormal DRE…worried

User
Posted 09 Jan 2025 at 08:36

Hi all,

Just looking for some advice as really worried!

Have had some problems with urination for 7/8 years now. Can be up 2/3 times per night but not every night. Can urgently need (mainly in the morning when I get to work) but again not every day. No problems with flow rate. No pain or burning. Went to doctor a couple of times over the years and got two different tablets for relaxing the muscle but didn’t make any difference. As it wasn’t really impacting my life I just left it at that.

I went to the doctor 6 weeks ago and was told I had a UTI. It was a new doctor so I mentioned the above symptoms and that they were ongoing. He told me to come back in 6 weeks to check my prostate.

I had the DRE on Monday and, whilst certainly not long, it took a bit longer than what he had initially said it would. When finished he said that my prostate was enlarged and that a bit felt abnormal. I think he said something about being able to feel each side or quadrant but I’ll be honest that my mind was racing at this point and I didn’t fully take it in. He also did use the terms “I think it will be ok” and “unlikely” when I asked if it meant cancer. But appreciate he can’t say for definite either way.

I was asked to go downstairs and do a blood test and provide a urine sample.

The doctor phoned me on Tuesday night and told me my PSA was 6. As I’m 42 he has referred me to urologist for an MRI.

Im trying not to worry but keep thinking the worst. I would be worried about the high PSA anyway but with the addition of the abnormal DRE I’m really stressed. I’ve read through a few of the posts on the site and can’t find any that mention high PSA and abnormal DRE.

No family history of cancer and I’m generally healthy. I did do a HIIT workout on the morning of the PSA as didn’t realise you weren’t supposed to exercise.

If anybody has any experience or advice on similar situation it would be really helpful. I’m really worried!

many thanks

Bryan

User
Posted 09 Jan 2025 at 10:33

Hi again 

DREs are not very accurate, an enlarged prostate can cause elevated PSA, any other abnormalities lumps, bumps and hard bits, doesn't mean you've got prostate cancer. It just means that it's worthy of further investigation. The MRI will be more accurate. 

I know it's not easy, mate, but try not to worry. Just take one step at a time and don't think ahead of yourself.

Please keep us updated. We'll do our best to support you. 👍

User
Posted 28 Mar 2025 at 17:24

Hi again Bryan.

Do you know the pi-rads scores of your MRI. My guess, is it'll  be 3 which means they are uncertain whether it's cancer or not. The 'shadow' may not be anything to worry about, it could be infection or a benign lesion. Whatever the result, your biopsy will be more informative. It will tell you IF it's cancer and IF it is, how aggressive it is. I know how worrying it is. Most of us have dealt with diagnosis anxiety but unfortunately you just have to play the waiting game, mate.

Best of luck.

Edited by member 28 Mar 2025 at 17:50  | Reason: Typo

User
Posted 28 Mar 2025 at 19:42

Sorry to hear of the waiting and lack of info. When reading up my post MRI and pre biopsy my PIRADS was 'between 4 and 5' which meant a 70% or 90% chance respectively it was cancer. Later evaluation scored a 4. A biopsy gave Gleason 6 (3+3) and at time PSA 6.6 (I'm 58).

If you are given a MRI indication under that % it could well be PIRADS 3 and the OK chances are well on your side.

Also given they're not rushing the biopsy date would indicate a 'just to be sure' scenario.

The waiting game was the worst for me though, but try not to worry - plus your yoyo PSAs (now heading lower) would indicate more of an infection than PCa? I'd take that in the situation. And good luck with the further tests.

User
Posted 28 Mar 2025 at 19:58

Hi,

Thanks so much for getting back to me. I phoned and spoke with one of the specialist nurses on here and she was amazing!! What a brilliant job they do. She took the time to speak to me and explain.

She has suggested that given my age (42), previous urinary problems and PSA heading lower that it could well be infection. She said it would be very rare for someone my age to get cancer and more often it’s prostatitis which would fit with what I have.

She said that we won’t know for definite until the biopsy which I totally get. She said the tiny shadow, if it was cancer, would suggest it has been caught early. Again there’s no definite on that which I get.

I still can’t help but worry but I’ll just need to get on with it.

I hope you’re well and thanks again for the post. Have a great weekend!

Bryan

 

User
Posted 29 Mar 2025 at 20:32

Hi again Bryan.

There are several other complaints that mimic prostate cancer on MRI scans.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5496681/

On top of these, even detected cancerous lesions can be benign.

In my experience nothing, including PSA levels, MRI scans, even biopsies are guaranteed to give a 100% accurate diagnosis. You can 'do your head in' trying to interpret results. 🙂

During my cancer journey I've had numerous, fairly low, fluctuating PSA results. T1c, T2a, T2c and T3a staging. I've had Gleason 6(3+3), 7 (3+4), 7 (4+3), 8 (3+5), and 9 (4+5). I think they tried to cover all bases. 😁 

Edited by member 29 Mar 2025 at 21:25  | Reason: Additional text

User
Posted 29 Mar 2025 at 21:24

Hi Adrian,

Thanks once again for getting back to me.

I’m going to have to just try and switch off and let what will be be. 

Feeling a bit more confident from what I’ve read and the support and advice on here.

You guys do some great work, it’s so good having this support network here.

Have a great weekend!

Bryan

User
Posted 01 May 2025 at 20:15

Best of luck of with your biopsy results, Bry. 👍

Edited by member 02 May 2025 at 12:11  | Reason: Typo

User
Posted 22 May 2025 at 10:23

Hi Bry.

Your brilliant news has made my day, mate!

Thanks for posting your story, it shows that sometimes things aren't actually as bad as  they seem. 

Although, I had high grade cancer, two years post op, it seems to have gone. Sometimes, like you, I feel guilty posting my good news on here, when others, who I now class as friends, are struggling to keep on top of the disease. 

However, without posting success stories, this site would become even more biased than it already is to poor outcomes.

I'm thrilled for you and your family mate. 👍

May be, as way of celebration, it might be an idea to buy your 3 year old daughter, a keepsake. She won't have a clue for it's for, but everytime you see it you'll be reminded how you managed to side step cancer. When she's much older you could perhaps tell her of its significance and how dad avoided the big C.

Every time I get an udetectable, I treat my two grandkids. They dont know I've had cancer, it would have upset them too much. However, if things continue as they are doing, I might tell them that grandad had and beat cancer. It might improve my street cred. 🙂

As for your experiences of cold and uncaring consultants. In my opinion, like any profession, you get very good ones, very bad ones and most sit somewhere between. When diagnosed, cancer can be all-consuming. You often feel vulnerable and bewildered. Yet to most consultants you are just another patient. Just another number in the system. 

My op was cancelled twice. Both times, at the last minute, when I was all gowned up and ready to go under the knife.

The second time, I was in a make shift waiting room with my wife, when the surgeon came in and told us that they'd run out of time to do the surgery. I was devastated. My wife was in tears, and I followed suit. Until then, he'd appeared a bit aloof and uncaring, but on seeing how distressed we were he sat down next to us and put his arm around me and said how sorry he was. I shall never forget the compassion he showed that day. I've convinced myself that when he eventually did the surgery, he remembered how upset we'd been and he performed his very best for us.

Edited by member 22 May 2025 at 12:06  | Reason: Additional text

User
Posted 22 May 2025 at 17:09

Hi Adrian,

Thanks so much for your reply and a genuine, massive thanks for all your help and advice during this time. You have no idea what it meant to me and the comfort it gave me.

I am delighted to hear of your success post op and can only imagine what you have been through. Please know that your presence here in this community and sharing your experiences has a massive impact.

That’s a great idea about the keepsake, I will definitely look into that. 

I’m looking forward to having a nice bottle of wine tomorrow night to celebrate with my wife who has been a pillar of strength. 

I hope you have a great weekend when it arrives and take care of yourself.

Bryan

Show Most Thanked Posts
User
Posted 09 Jan 2025 at 09:22

Hi Bryan.

Welcome to the forum.

Try not to worry, mate. Your elevated PSA can be caused by other non cancerous prostate conditions. The MRI will shed more light on the situation.

User
Posted 09 Jan 2025 at 10:02

Hi Adrian,

Thanks very much for your quick reply.

I think what is making me even more worried is the abnormal DRE in addition to the elevated PSA. I’m thinking that with both it’s increasing the chances of it being cancer. Or could that still be non cancerous? 

Thanks for your help, I really appreciate it.

Bryan

User
Posted 09 Jan 2025 at 10:33

Hi again 

DREs are not very accurate, an enlarged prostate can cause elevated PSA, any other abnormalities lumps, bumps and hard bits, doesn't mean you've got prostate cancer. It just means that it's worthy of further investigation. The MRI will be more accurate. 

I know it's not easy, mate, but try not to worry. Just take one step at a time and don't think ahead of yourself.

Please keep us updated. We'll do our best to support you. 👍

User
Posted 09 Jan 2025 at 10:45

Thanks Adrian, I really appreciate your help and support.

Bryan

User
Posted 12 Jan 2025 at 11:55
Hi Bry09

Were the PSA bloods taken after your DRE? If so that will raise it. If your prostate is enlarged in a benign way that could also raise it. Perhaps not long enough had passed since you'd had a UTI either. Plus you had done a work out on the morning of it. Plus your PSA base line might be higher for your age to start with. But. The GP is going the right thing to refer to you a Urologist for an MRI and so you are in good hands.

User
Posted 12 Jan 2025 at 13:14

Hi,

Thanks very much for the reply. I really appreciate it. Still worrying unfortunately! Hope you are well.

yes, the bloods were taken no more than 20mins after the DRE. The DRE lasted longer than he had suggested it would and he certainly was having a good old feel around (or so it felt).

As I’ve had these same symptoms for 7/8 years I am worried that I have maybe left it too late and it may have spread. I don’t feel any different than when I initially got the symptoms all those years ago other than the occasional ache and pain that comes with getting older. 

I tried to call the doctor on Friday just to find out exactly what the abnormality was that he had felt but he was off. Just so I’m clear in my head about it.

Ironically the reason I spoke to him in the first place (being up sometimes 2/3 times per night to pee) seems to have changed. I have not been up during the night for a pee since the DRE last Monday.

Thanks again

Bryan

User
Posted 28 Mar 2025 at 16:45

Hi,

So my PSA went from 6.2 to 4.1 the week after my original test. I waited for my consultant appointment and had a further PSA test done that day after another DRE. Consultant said the DRE was normal.

A couple of days after the consultant appointment he phoned with the PSA result which had only gone down to 3.9.

Got referred for an MRI which was done on 16 March.


I phoned yesterday for the results of the MRI. The consultant phoned me back today to say that there was a “tiny shadow” on my prostate and so now being referred for a biopsy. 

I was feeling a bit more positive given the drop in PSA from 6.2 to 4.1 in a week and then the normal DRE. But now with PSA only dropping to 3.9 and this shadow I’m back to worrying quite a bit.

Has anyone experienced anything similar? 

Many thanks in advance

Bryan

User
Posted 28 Mar 2025 at 17:24

Hi again Bryan.

Do you know the pi-rads scores of your MRI. My guess, is it'll  be 3 which means they are uncertain whether it's cancer or not. The 'shadow' may not be anything to worry about, it could be infection or a benign lesion. Whatever the result, your biopsy will be more informative. It will tell you IF it's cancer and IF it is, how aggressive it is. I know how worrying it is. Most of us have dealt with diagnosis anxiety but unfortunately you just have to play the waiting game, mate.

Best of luck.

Edited by member 28 Mar 2025 at 17:50  | Reason: Typo

User
Posted 28 Mar 2025 at 18:19

Hi Adrian,

Thanks for getting back to me so quickly. He didn’t give me a score. He’s quite cold and doesn’t really entertain questions (turned and said to me at previous consultation when I was in the middle of asking a question “thanks for coming”).

When I asked him what the chances were that it was cancer he said 50/50.

Im not getting biopsy until May which seems quite a wait. Guess I’ll just have to wait it out.

Hope you’re doing ok and thanks again

Bryan

 

 

 

User
Posted 28 Mar 2025 at 19:42

Sorry to hear of the waiting and lack of info. When reading up my post MRI and pre biopsy my PIRADS was 'between 4 and 5' which meant a 70% or 90% chance respectively it was cancer. Later evaluation scored a 4. A biopsy gave Gleason 6 (3+3) and at time PSA 6.6 (I'm 58).

If you are given a MRI indication under that % it could well be PIRADS 3 and the OK chances are well on your side.

Also given they're not rushing the biopsy date would indicate a 'just to be sure' scenario.

The waiting game was the worst for me though, but try not to worry - plus your yoyo PSAs (now heading lower) would indicate more of an infection than PCa? I'd take that in the situation. And good luck with the further tests.

User
Posted 28 Mar 2025 at 19:58

Hi,

Thanks so much for getting back to me. I phoned and spoke with one of the specialist nurses on here and she was amazing!! What a brilliant job they do. She took the time to speak to me and explain.

She has suggested that given my age (42), previous urinary problems and PSA heading lower that it could well be infection. She said it would be very rare for someone my age to get cancer and more often it’s prostatitis which would fit with what I have.

She said that we won’t know for definite until the biopsy which I totally get. She said the tiny shadow, if it was cancer, would suggest it has been caught early. Again there’s no definite on that which I get.

I still can’t help but worry but I’ll just need to get on with it.

I hope you’re well and thanks again for the post. Have a great weekend!

Bryan

 

User
Posted 29 Mar 2025 at 18:37

Hi all,

I’ve been doing a bit of reading on MRI results to try and get a bit of knowledge and also trying to get myself into a more positive frame of mind.

Although the consultant didn’t give me a PIRAD score I’m assuming from his “50/50 chance” comment that I will be a 3, given that a 3 means they can’t say one way or the other. Would that be accurate?

So a lot of the stuff I have read suggests a 3 is not quite 50/50 but I can see why a doctor wouldn’t commit beyond the definition. Some of the studies I have read say 25-40% chance and some less.

I guess I’m trying to take some comfort from that but also want to be realistic. I’ve also read a PIRAD of 3 is quite commonly found to be prostatitis at biopsy. Again, want to take some comfort from that but want to be realistic.

I know ultimately I’m not going to know until the biopsy. But I’m just trying to be more positive but realistic at the same time if that makes sense. I have a 3 year old at home so apologies for another post here but I’m trying to stay positive for her but crumbling a bit inside.

I appreciate others are/have been in a worse position than me and don’t want to come across as a pain but the support on here really has made a massive difference to me from my original post until now.

I was put on Tamsulosin back in January by my GP due to the peeing a lot. I’m definitely not peeing as much anymore and am not up during the night anymore where previously I was up every night, sometimes 2/3 times.

Im trying to frame my mind to this being infection but again want to remain realistic.

Hope this all makes sense.

Bryan

User
Posted 29 Mar 2025 at 20:32

Hi again Bryan.

There are several other complaints that mimic prostate cancer on MRI scans.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5496681/

On top of these, even detected cancerous lesions can be benign.

In my experience nothing, including PSA levels, MRI scans, even biopsies are guaranteed to give a 100% accurate diagnosis. You can 'do your head in' trying to interpret results. 🙂

During my cancer journey I've had numerous, fairly low, fluctuating PSA results. T1c, T2a, T2c and T3a staging. I've had Gleason 6(3+3), 7 (3+4), 7 (4+3), 8 (3+5), and 9 (4+5). I think they tried to cover all bases. 😁 

Edited by member 29 Mar 2025 at 21:25  | Reason: Additional text

User
Posted 29 Mar 2025 at 21:24

Hi Adrian,

Thanks once again for getting back to me.

I’m going to have to just try and switch off and let what will be be. 

Feeling a bit more confident from what I’ve read and the support and advice on here.

You guys do some great work, it’s so good having this support network here.

Have a great weekend!

Bryan

User
Posted 01 May 2025 at 15:59

Hi Bryan

Just wondering how you are getting on

Also younger guy here with raised PSA and worrying like MAD

User
Posted 01 May 2025 at 18:58

Hi user1986,

I am doing ok, thanks for asking. So turned out my PIRAD score was a 4 rather than the 3 I had assumed. This threw me into a complete tailspin.

I have since paid for a private consultation to get some more info on my MRI results as my consultant has no time for questions and can’t wait to get you out of his office or off the phone. The private consultation gave me some comfort.

I had my biopsy 2 weeks ago so just waiting on the results and trying to stay positive. I was told on the day of my biopsy by the professor doing the procedure that I shouldn’t be doing it and should be going for another MRI in 6 months. But I said I couldn’t bear waiting any longer to find out.

I can totally understand why you are worrying the way you are. Like others have said to me on here try to take it one step at a time. Don’t read too much online (like I did) as it will just sent you into a tailspin. There are plenty of reasons for a raised PSA. 

Have you spoken to any of the specialist nurses on here? I have phoned 3 times over the last few months and each time they have been amazing and have managed to get me thinking more clearly and rationally. 

Bryan

User
Posted 01 May 2025 at 20:15

Best of luck of with your biopsy results, Bry. 👍

Edited by member 02 May 2025 at 12:11  | Reason: Typo

User
Posted 02 May 2025 at 09:41

Thanks Adrian, fingers crossed.

Hope you’re well.

Bryan

User
Posted 22 May 2025 at 02:39

Hi,

Firstly I would like to thank everyone on here who has posted and responded to me, your advice and words of wisdom really helped me and I can't thank you enough. I hope you are all well.

Secondly, to the specialist nurses on here another massive thank you. The work you do is incredible and the advice and compassion you show is a credit to yourselves and this organisation. You really calmed me down when I was struggling, I never once felt rushed or that I was bothering you. If anyone reading this is thinking whether to phone or not, please do, as it is an outstanding level of support and practical advice.

I have debated posting this as I didn't want to come across as insensitive to anybody on here and their situation. However, I think if I could help just one person who finds themself in my situation, and is a worrier like me, and they can take some comfort from my experience then that's good enough for me.

Got my biopsy results yesterday after a long and anxious 5 week wait. I am glad to say the results are benign however, as above, I do not want to come across as insensitive to others who haven't been so lucky.

I just want to paint a picture to anyone who reads this and, like me, spirals into thinking the worst. Please try to take a step back from all the numbers and scores that you may get. I know how difficult it can be to stop yourself from worrying, if you are a worrier you are a worrier and nothing can change that.

I went for a Doctor's appointment 5 months ago and mentioned recurring urinary problems that I had for at least 7/8 years. I had a prostate exam and was told it was abnormal, went for a blood test and got a call to say my PSA was over 6 (should be 2/2.5 based on my age I was told). Referred to urology, had a further blood test the following week. Waited a week for results, eventually phoned looking for them and was told PSA had gone from 6.3 to 4.2 in a week. I was assured that this was infection and told not to worry. The Doctor I spoke to said she had looked at what the GP had wrote about my "abnormal" DRE and said that was nothing to worry about either. She said I would likely be discharged at my consultant appointment a few weeks later.

I went to a Urology Consultant and was told I had to go for an MRI. I was told there was a process and it had been done wrong. The consultant was a cold, unhelpful man who just wanted me out of his office. He didn't want to answer any questions and turned to me mid question and said "thanks for coming". Had another blood test at this appointment and PSA had dropped slightly to 3.9. I was given a follow up appointment for 3 months time.

Waited for the MRI and eventually got an appointment. I was told to expect the results in 2-3 weeks. I waited 3 weeks, hadn't heard anything so phoned the consultant's secretary. He phoned me back the next day, told me there was a shadow and that I had to go for a biopsy. Again, he wouldn't entertain any questions, just told me my chances were "50/50" and that it was too early to say if it had spread or not. It is clear that I wasn't going to get the results of my MRI until the follow up appointment but for the fact that I phoned.

I then start to go into overdrive with Google and reading studies. (Please don't, I know it's easy for me to say now, but it's not going to do you any good really) I look at percentages of PIRAD 3 based on the consultants 50/50 comment and manage to get myself into a relatively positive frame of mind thinking the chances are actually quite low. I then wait until the weekend is over and phone to find out my PIRAD score thinking confirmation will give me some comfort. I'm told it's a PIRAD 4 and I'm once again off into a spiral and on Google. Now convinced that I have cancer and worrying about my 3 year old daughter.

A few weeks later, solely because I phoned and asked for cancellations etc, I got a biopsy appointment. I had a targeted biopsy. If anyone reading this is going for one, please don't worry. You will have to leave your dignity at the door, it is uncomfortable but I didn't find it painful. It felt like a few scratches and I was 5 minutes at most from getting called through to getting back to my seat in the waiting room. I'm told at the end that it will take up to 4 weeks for the results.

The first couple of weeks aren't too bad as I know I'm not getting the results so I can be relatively normal. The stress ramps up towards weeks 3 and 4 and I start researching again. I'm looking at PIRAD scores, studies, if MRI results can be misinterpreted. 

Get to week 4 and I phone for the results. I'm desperate and just want to know what I'm dealing with. I'm told "I'll see if I can fit you in". I ask a number of times if a Doctor can just phone me and tell me yes or no, I don't need a full breakdown at this stage but I am told that's not the process. I then get an appointment for the following week.

Day of appointment arrives, I'm a nervous wreck. My appointment is for 430, I get a call at 1130 and I am asked if I can come in at 130 instead. I panic thinking this is because it's bad news. I'm already thinking if it was good news I would have been told over the phone. I've convinced myself that my life is going to change that day.

I go to the appointment and get the same cold, unhelpful treatment from the consultant but as soon as he says "the samples are benign" I don't care.

I feel very lucky and in no way want to come across as if I am bragging. I describe all above to show anyone reading this post and worrying about their situation not to read too much into scores, waiting times, which method they choose to give you the results (phone, letter, appointment). I was convinced with a raised PSA for my age, an abnormal DRE, a PIRAD4 lesion on my MRI that I had cancer. It turns out to be "normal enlargement for my age" according to the consultant. 

I hope this may bring some comfort to anybody reading this. I will continue to monitor this so if you want to reach out to me please do so. Please also contact the specialist nurses if you are stressing, they do an amazing job and will get you thinking rationally.

Take care!

Bryan

User
Posted 22 May 2025 at 10:23

Hi Bry.

Your brilliant news has made my day, mate!

Thanks for posting your story, it shows that sometimes things aren't actually as bad as  they seem. 

Although, I had high grade cancer, two years post op, it seems to have gone. Sometimes, like you, I feel guilty posting my good news on here, when others, who I now class as friends, are struggling to keep on top of the disease. 

However, without posting success stories, this site would become even more biased than it already is to poor outcomes.

I'm thrilled for you and your family mate. 👍

May be, as way of celebration, it might be an idea to buy your 3 year old daughter, a keepsake. She won't have a clue for it's for, but everytime you see it you'll be reminded how you managed to side step cancer. When she's much older you could perhaps tell her of its significance and how dad avoided the big C.

Every time I get an udetectable, I treat my two grandkids. They dont know I've had cancer, it would have upset them too much. However, if things continue as they are doing, I might tell them that grandad had and beat cancer. It might improve my street cred. 🙂

As for your experiences of cold and uncaring consultants. In my opinion, like any profession, you get very good ones, very bad ones and most sit somewhere between. When diagnosed, cancer can be all-consuming. You often feel vulnerable and bewildered. Yet to most consultants you are just another patient. Just another number in the system. 

My op was cancelled twice. Both times, at the last minute, when I was all gowned up and ready to go under the knife.

The second time, I was in a make shift waiting room with my wife, when the surgeon came in and told us that they'd run out of time to do the surgery. I was devastated. My wife was in tears, and I followed suit. Until then, he'd appeared a bit aloof and uncaring, but on seeing how distressed we were he sat down next to us and put his arm around me and said how sorry he was. I shall never forget the compassion he showed that day. I've convinced myself that when he eventually did the surgery, he remembered how upset we'd been and he performed his very best for us.

Edited by member 22 May 2025 at 12:06  | Reason: Additional text

User
Posted 22 May 2025 at 17:09

Hi Adrian,

Thanks so much for your reply and a genuine, massive thanks for all your help and advice during this time. You have no idea what it meant to me and the comfort it gave me.

I am delighted to hear of your success post op and can only imagine what you have been through. Please know that your presence here in this community and sharing your experiences has a massive impact.

That’s a great idea about the keepsake, I will definitely look into that. 

I’m looking forward to having a nice bottle of wine tomorrow night to celebrate with my wife who has been a pillar of strength. 

I hope you have a great weekend when it arrives and take care of yourself.

Bryan

 
Forum Jump  
©2025 Prostate Cancer UK