I need information...

My father's PSA test came back with a score of 110! His only symptoms have been frequent urination and thin stools. He is 66 years old and otherwise in excellent health. I have made arrangements for him to see a Urologic Oncoligst at the University of Washington (we live in Seattle) but what else should I do?  Can someone please prepare me for what possibly lies ahead. I need "worst case" scenerios as well as optimism. Someone please help...

Sincerely,
Lizm

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Certainly prostate cancer tops the list of concerns.  Other possibilities would include prostatitis as well as prostatic hypertrophy.  

What will happen next would be a prostate biopsy to evaluate for the possibility of cancer.  If positive, treatment would depend on how far it has spread.  

If the biopsies are negative, appropriate treatment would be made according to what is found (i.e. antibiotics for prostatitis).  But with a PSA that high, cancer needs to be ruled out.  

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.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b