1. Community
  2. Cancer
  3. Prostate Cancer

Very High PSA

Posted , 10 users are following.

Lionqueen
Lionqueen

i took my 6 year old husband to the ER Saturday with a high fever.  Tests confirmed a UTI then the doctor ordered a PSA which came back at 99!  He has no symptoms normally associated with prostate, no frequent urination, no pain and he feels great.  Our local doctor is sending him to a specialist.  I have read a UTI can elevate the PSA and also wonder if the machine could have given a false reading.  Would you suggest we insist on a second blood test after his antibiotics before seeing the specialist?  

0 likes, 25 replies

25 Replies

Next
  • Lionqueen
    Lionqueen

    Posted

    Oh gosh I meant 66 year old husband
  • patrick1952
    patrick1952 Lionqueen

    Posted

    Lionqueen, I am 64, had prostate removed last year. I learned that the Labs should never check psa readings while a patient has a uti. They should wait 2-3 weeks AFTER completion of antibiotics.Then you'll get a true reading. Also, 99 is very high for someone with no symptoms....I would wait and retest...pat m.
  • Pepasan
    Pepasan Lionqueen

    Posted

    If it were me, in the UK, I would see the specialist ASAP as we usually have to wait months to be seen. If you are in the US paying, I might understand wanting to delay, but it still seems best to be seen soon if possible, by someone who can tell your husband what explanations there might be.
  • mosski
    mosski Lionqueen

    Posted

    I think, absolutely, a second PSA test should be done.  The high PSA reading certainly needs to be looked into.

    At this point you really can't know whether your husband might have prostate cancer, but my own experience is that, for me, it was symptonless.  My prostrate was only slightly enlarged.    It was nodules on the prostate and a PSA of around 8 or 9 that led to a biopsy that showed cancer, but I felt no pain or discomfort and urination was not much of a problem.

    Best of luck to your husband and you, both.

  • Lionqueen
    Lionqueen

    Posted

    Thank you so much for the replies.  I am trying my best not to panic and just trying to understand as much as possible quickly.  I'm relieved to hear about the 2 - 3 week wait after antibiotics.  I believe I will insist on a retest and from a separate lab.  His appointment with the specialist is June 1.  Thank you again.
  • mosski
    mosski Lionqueen

    Posted

    Not sure you should use a different lab.  Using the same lab takes one possible variable out of the equation.

    Has your husband have PSA blood tests done previously?  What were those readings?

    • Lionqueen
      Lionqueen mosski

      Posted

      Not that I'm aware of but may have had one about 2 years ago when he had a physical. We'll find out tomorrow. Thanks!
    • barney34567
      barney34567 Lionqueen

      Posted

      I want to echo mosski's comment. Use the same lab for all the PSA tests. This is because labs use different measuring tools to calculate the PSA and you want consistency in the measuring protocols. Trust me.

      I agree with the folks who say only after the antibiotics have done their job should your husband get retested for the PSA.

  • charles61038
    charles61038 Lionqueen

    Posted

    Yes... wait for the anitbiotics to work. PSA levels will increase due to UTI infection... and also the possibility of prostatitis. Have they done a digital rectal exam to check for abnormalities? A second opinion would be good.

    Charles

    • Lionqueen
      Lionqueen charles61038

      Posted

      The ER Doctor did not physically check anything but we will see our family doctor tomorrow and hopefully have more answers. Thank you for responding.
  • stewarta
    stewarta Lionqueen

    Posted

    I suggest pathology testing of his urine, and a second PSA test by another lab. It is either prostatitis or a UTI.

    I am not a medical doctor, but PSA readings can be high after ejaculation, and other reasons not associated with BPH or PCa.

    • Lionqueen
      Lionqueen stewarta

      Posted

      Hearing from you all calms me somewhat.  Thank you for the advice and encouragement.
    • Lionqueen
      Lionqueen

      Posted

      He was retested today after 5 days on antibiotics and it fell from 99 to 31.7.  Urologist told our Doctor he's seen PSA skyrocket during a kidney infection - rare but happens.  They've extended his antibiotics from 1 week to 2 and he will be retested in 4 weeks.  I wanted to post this because in everything I read I couldn't find a reference to such a high number and wanted to share that information for someone going through the same thing.   What a scare! Praying for you all.
  • Lionqueen
    Lionqueen

    Posted

    Does anyone know if an infection can raise the PSA levels as high as 99?
  • mosski
    mosski Lionqueen

    Posted

    That's encouraging! Let's hope it is much lower yet after another 2 weeks of antibiotics....
Back to top
Next

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.