Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Urology (Expert Forum)
Concerned about father's PSA level
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
KevinMD.com
Questions in the Urology forum are answered by Dr. Stephen Liroff, affiliated with the Henry Ford Hospital. Topics covered include benign prostate disease, penis curvature, cystisis, kidney stones, pediatric urology, prostate, sexual dysfunction, urinary tract infections (UTI), and urological cancers.
Concerned about father's PSA level
by concerngirl, Jun 13, 2007 12:00AM
My father (66 years old) PSA has been elevated since Feb 2006. In 2006, it was 16 and in June 2007 it is 15. The free PSA in June 2007 is 11%
Six months ago (december 2006), he had Digital Rectum exam (DRE) and Ultrasound and the reports were normal. His prostate was reported slightly enlarged.
After PSA test in June 2007, he also did Urine culture and he has UTI infection.
Is the elevated PSA due to Urine infection? Should he go for another PSA test after taking antibiotic course and making sure he has no UTI infection?
Is biopsy necessary for him?
Is it good to go for a biopsy, while UTI infecion (infection) is still there? Or should he go for a biopsy after UTI infection has cleared up?
Six months ago (december 2006), he had Digital Rectum exam (DRE) and Ultrasound and the reports were normal. His prostate was reported slightly enlarged.
After PSA test in June 2007, he also did Urine culture and he has UTI infection.
Is the elevated PSA due to Urine infection? Should he go for another PSA test after taking antibiotic course and making sure he has no UTI infection?
Is biopsy necessary for him?
Is it good to go for a biopsy, while UTI infecion (infection) is still there? Or should he go for a biopsy after UTI infection has cleared up?
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Jun 14, 2007 12:00AM
, Jun 14, 2007 12:00AM
An elevated PSA can be caused by prostatitis, which on urinalysis can present similarly to a UTI.
However, before attributing it to that, you have to rule out prostate cancer. Either approach is fine. Some urologists would prefer to have the UTI clear and then repeat the PSA test to see if the level has decreased.
In any case, a biopsy should be done regardless.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
However, before attributing it to that, you have to rule out prostate cancer. Either approach is fine. Some urologists would prefer to have the UTI clear and then repeat the PSA test to see if the level has decreased.
In any case, a biopsy should be done regardless.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_
