42yr old PSA 4.2

User

Posted 28 May 2025 at 16:19

Hello! Just over a week ago I had a routine health check - for some reason they also carried out a PSA. A few days later I was called in for a DRE (which I’m told appears to be ok) and then sent for an MRI 2 days later. I’m fit and healthy with no symptoms. (Probably worth mentioning that when the blood test was carried out I hadn’t engaged in exercise/sex in the previous days.)

I’m conscious that 4.2 is high for someone of my age - the average being around 0.6, with 2.5 being regarded as abnormal. That said, I’m not at all worried… if it’s cancer I know I’ll be OK. I’m just grateful at the speed of service I’ve received with the NHS. I know this is not always the case.

I’m the type of guy that likes to plan… so I guess my question is, if the MRI comes back OK and I’m not diagnosed with an enlarged prostate / prostatitis and a subsequent PSA comes back still high, should I ask for a biopsy regardless and will they agree? Or will that be the recommended route by the urologist?

Secondly, I have private health insurance through work - is there a point that you’d suggest moving across to private for treatment or is it best to stay within the NSH.

Cheers,

Casper

User

Posted 28 May 2025 at 17:54

Hi Casper.

Sorry that you're probably having prostate issues, but welcome to the forum, mate

You've obviously done your homework and realise that although your PSA is slightly elevated this can be caused by several non cancerous conditions.

The MRI will give a better indication. I'd just take one process at a time and deal with the results as they come. Try not get ahead of yourself and worry about 'what ifs'

I've never had private health treatment so I'm unable to say whether it has advantages over the NHS.

Your urologist will check the biopsy results and advise you accordingly.

Best of luck, mate and please keep us updated. 👍

Edited by member 28 May 2025 at 18:20 | Reason: Typo

User

Posted 02 Jun 2025 at 19:23

Thanks for so much for the reply.

I’ve had the MRI and been called back to see the consultant who’s advised that there’s significant changes to the prostate - pirads score of 4. He did say that it’s still localised to the prostate so nothing has spread and that it didn’t seem to be enlarged. They did a biopsy where 16 samples were taken. Already have an appointment lined up for next week so I guess we’ll know for sure then 😬

User

Posted 04 Jun 2025 at 12:06

Hi Casper

From your initial health check to where are you now, things have moved really fast which is brilliant. When the NHS works well, it can be amazing. As Adrian said, try not to second guess everything in advance of your results, which I know, is pretty hard not to do. However, please take someone with you to your appointment next week. Whatever your diagnosis, in a heightened state of emotion, detailed information often becomes blurry and you need that support of an extra pair of ears.

Private health insurance does have some advantages over the NHS by offering you more choice when it comes to consultants, hospitals, and choice of treatment, (if suitable for the patient). This is the hardest week, the waiting.

Wishing you all the best for next week.

Seb

User

Posted 08 Jun 2025 at 22:39

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

However, please take someone with you to your appointment next week. Whatever your diagnosis, in a heightened state of emotion, detailed information often becomes blurry and you need that support of an extra pair of ears.

Seb

Amongst the best advice ever 👍

Wishing you all the best for good news!

Edited by member 08 Jun 2025 at 22:39 | Reason: Not specified

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