Concerned Daughter - Father's PSA High

The 4.24 is not real high. Over 4.0 is the concern. Over the past several years, my PSA rose from 2.0 slowly until this past year when it reached 5.2. That is when my PCP sent me to a urologist. I was put on antibiotic to make sure there was no infection. It went down slightly, but not enough. I then got a biopsy which showed 2 out of 12 samples contained cancer cells. Fortunatley, they were small amounts and a slow growing non agressive type. I had time to do research. Your father may only have an infection, or prostatitus. With the reasonably low PSA, the outlook may not be so bad. If the urologist may want to do a biopsy and that will tell more. Treatment options are many. I had the low dose radiation seed implants (Brachytherapy) 11 months ago. I am pretty much back to where I was before this whole thing started. After 6 months after treatment, my PSA was at 0.15. I will go for my one year check up next month for another PSA check. The Brachytherapy is a one time treatment. Low dose radiation means there is less chance of damage to surrounding tissues - bladder and colon... so don't panic, your dad may be okay - but it is good to make sure. Just remember, if there is cancer, it is treatable and cureable. Good luck to you 

I would be a little concerned, but the rise in PSA is most likely due to an enlarged prostate. If it were me I would get a PCA3 test done as this test only looks for cancer and isn't affected by an enlarged prostate. If his father had PC then his risk goes up, but being that he doesn't he isn't a high risk case. I have prostate symptoms as well and I am 48 years old. I have Inflamitory Bowel disease that causes inflamation in my entire colon and is worse right now in my rectum. I noticed in my case prostate trouble with the onset of IBD. So many things can cause an increase of PSA and it doesn't mean that it is cancer. The PCA3 test should help and if that test shows an issue then a 3T MRI can show any masses in the prostate, plus it means they can do a targeted biopsy rather than a poke and hope approach. 

Once you find a urologist ask the doctor to do a PSA 3 test. This is a non evasive test of basically urinating in a bottle. This will give an indication of prostate cancer.

Sounds as if the health system where you live can be trusted if your grandfather has had biopsies as a result of psa score of 9. Even if the psa score is that high eventually in your father's case, he may well not be in any imminent danger. I've lived with a diagnosis of cancer with no treatment for several years now. My PSA has stayed stable at around 8 for that time.

Hi

As there is a steady rise in PSA readings it would be foolish to ignore.  I resisted myself till the reading was 4.5, I think, and eventually conceded that a visit to a specialist would be sensible.

After a biopsy I was found to be positive for cancer  (Gleeson score 7).  As I was under 70 at the time I was eligible for robotic prostatectomy which I elected for and am pleased I did. Good luck with persuading your Dad.  My Dad also had prostate cancer.

Hi karlee l Had my psa checked it had gone from 6 to 10.2 still showing no symptoms refered to prostate assessment clinic had prostate checked no visible signs,Dundee university doing trials for prostate cancer,sent for mri scan first then biopsy,results from normal biopsy (12)in number no cancer targeted ones from mri scan found cancer cells, glesan score 7,having op for prostate removed end of january

The issue is whether the PSA is stable or is rising. And if it is rising, is it rising fast. The nominal PSA number is meaningless. Folk can have PCa with a PSA of 1 and can be free of cancer with a double digit PSA.

may I ask where is your father? Australia? NZ? U.K.?