Re: elevated PSA

Posted By HFHS M.D.-AK on September 16, 1998 at 12:54:06:

In Reply to: elevated PSA posted by Jean on September 05, 1998 at 14:25:11:






  My husbands psa went from 2.5 in March to 5.2 in August He is 55 years old. Is it significant that it rosr so quickly? What is the link between age and psa level? He has an appointment to see a urologist next week, what questions should I ask?






Dear Jean,
There are several ways to look at PSA.  There age related criteria, PSA velocity, PSA density and free PSA.  Looking at your husbands numbers alone, I would have to say that the next step I would recommend would be a biopsy of the prostate gland.  First, a good history and physical would be needed.
First I would ask about Family History- does anyone in the immediate family have prostate cancer.  Next I would ask if your husband had any recent urinary infections, prostate problems, voiding difficulties or recent instrumentation.  My physical exam would tell me if I felt a nodule on rectal exam and also give me the approximate size of the gland.  I would then put all of this information together an decide if a biopsy was needed.
By total PSA (5.2) your husband should be biopsied.  By age related criteria your husband should be biopsied.  By PSA velocity, your husband should be biopsied.  The PSA density and Free PSA cannot be obtained so if your husband has not been recently infected, the next logical step would be a biopsy. Go to your appointment and talk with the urologist, Im sure he will tell you something very similar.
This information is provided for general medical educational purposes only.  Please consult your physician for diagnostic and treatment options pertaining to your specific medical condition.  More individualized care is available at the Henry Ford Hospital and its satellites (1 800 653-6568).
Sincerely,
HFHS M.D.-AK
*keyword:PSA