Depends on the school of thought one subscribes to - doubling time is a strong indicator of change as is the actual number, with a gray zone somewhere between 4-10... I recommend that you read the book I mentioned or look up PSA doubling time or PSA values on the internet. The more you read the better you will be at asking questions.
The time frame was a year. Everything I have read has said to be concerned after it gets to 4. My question-is it more about the increase than the number or both?
From what little I know and based on his family history and his age a biopsy isn't out of the question...based on this new number you should get an idea of what to do
His readings were 1.2 then 2.6 and now it is ? what was the time frame between first and second reading? This will give you some idea of velocity or rate of increase/time period....
They are actually re checking friday and his doctor didn't say anything when he did the DRE. If the PSA comes back the same as the first do they usually just watch or do you think they would biopsy?
I would read - "The invasion of the prostate snatchers..." should be in your local library -- The value doubled in a year and he is approaching the gray zone of 4. Time to get educated on the prostate.
Perhaps another PSA in 6 months to check on change.. Did the DRE reveal any inflammation or lumps?
I made a mistake with my initial question. His level was 2.6. Up from 1.2.