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Urology (Expert Forum)
Dramatic increase in PSA reading
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.
Dramatic increase in PSA reading
by Rancher, Apr 07, 2004 12:00AM
I am 61 years old. I am 5'11 1/4" and weigh 220 pounds. My father died of prostate cancer at age 71. I take ZOKOR once daily and Acyclovir twice daily. My cholesterol is 171 mg/dl and HDL is 35 mg/dl. Cholesterol Ratio is 4.8%. Triglycerides are 256.
I have annual physicals, but recently took another physical for an insurance policy. My PSA reading went from 2.8 to 6.2 in the five month interval between physicals. My last three PSA readings are listed below:
Nov. 16, 2002: PSA (Abbott) 2.7 ng/ml
Oct. 23, 2003: PSA 2.8 ng/ml
Mar. 18, 2004: PSA 6.2 ng/ml
(Mar. 18, 2004) Free PSA 20%
Is such an increase in PSA readings (2.8 to 6.2)in 5 months likely or possible? Are false PSA readings common? Should I be alarmed? What action/treatment should I take?
Thank you.
I have annual physicals, but recently took another physical for an insurance policy. My PSA reading went from 2.8 to 6.2 in the five month interval between physicals. My last three PSA readings are listed below:
Nov. 16, 2002: PSA (Abbott) 2.7 ng/ml
Oct. 23, 2003: PSA 2.8 ng/ml
Mar. 18, 2004: PSA 6.2 ng/ml
(Mar. 18, 2004) Free PSA 20%
Is such an increase in PSA readings (2.8 to 6.2)in 5 months likely or possible? Are false PSA readings common? Should I be alarmed? What action/treatment should I take?
Thank you.
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Apr 08, 2004 12:00AM
, Apr 08, 2004 12:00AM
The major causes of an elevated serum PSA include:
* Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
* Prostate cancer
* Prostatic inflammation
* Perineal trauma
Certainly, any rise in PSA readings is of concern and warrants further evaluation. A lower free PSA percentage is associated with an increased risk of aggressive cancer.
As to "false PSA", it may be due to other causes that can raise the PSA. A simple digital rectal exam can elevate the PSA.
I would consider a urology referral for further evaluation and to consider a prostate biopsy.
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.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
* Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
* Prostate cancer
* Prostatic inflammation
* Perineal trauma
Certainly, any rise in PSA readings is of concern and warrants further evaluation. A lower free PSA percentage is associated with an increased risk of aggressive cancer.
As to "false PSA", it may be due to other causes that can raise the PSA. A simple digital rectal exam can elevate the PSA.
I would consider a urology referral for further evaluation and to consider a prostate biopsy.
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.
Thanks,
Kevin, M.D.
